ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

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Glossary of Oil Field Terms

GLOSSARY OF OIL FIELD TERMS

 Glossary of Oil field terms
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abandon v: to cease producing
oil and gas from a well when it
becomes unprofitable. A wildcat
well may be abandoned after
it has proven non productive.
Several steps are involved in
abandoning a well: part of the
casing may be removed and
salvaged; one or more cement
plugs placed in the borehole
to prevent migration of fluids
between the different formations
penetrated by the borehole. In
many countries it is necessary to
secure permission from official
agencies before a well may be
abandoned.
abnormal pressure n: pressure
exceeding or falling below the
normal pressure to be expected at
a given depth. Normal pressure
increases approximately 0.465
psi per foot of depth (10.5 kPa
per metre of depth). Thus, normal
pressure at 10,000 feet is 4,650 psi.;
abnormal pressure at this depth
would be higher or lower than
4,650 psi. See pressure gradient.
absolute permeability n: a
measure of the ability of a single
fluid (such as water, gas, or oil)
to flow through a rock formation
when the formation is totally filled
(saturated) with the single fluid.
The permeability measure of a
rock filled with a single fluid is
different from the permeability
measure of the same rock filled
with two or more fluids. Compare
effective permeability.
absolute porosity n:
percentage of the total bulk
volume of a rock sample that is
composed of pore spaces or voids.
See porosity.
absolute pressure n: total
pressure measured from an
absolute vacuum. It equals
the sum of the gauge pressure
and the atmospheric pressure
corresponding to the barometer
(expressed in pound per square
inch).
absolute temperature
scale n: a scale of temperature
measurement in which zero
degrees is absolute zero. On the
Rankine absolute temperature
scale, in which degrees
correspond to degrees Fahrenheit,
water freezes at 492 degrees
and boils at 672 degrees. On the
Kelvin absolute temperature scale,
in which degrees correspond to
degrees Celsius, water freezes
at 273 degrees and boils at 373
degrees. See absolute zero.
absolute zero n: a hypothetical
temperature at which there is a
total absence of heat. Since heat
is a result of energy caused by
molecular motion, there is no
motion of molecules with respect
to each other at absolute zero.
acceptance criteria n: defined
limits placed on characteristics of
materials, products, or services.
(API Specification 16A)
accumulate v: to amass or
collect. When oil and gas migrate
into porous formations, the
quantity collected is called an
accumulation.
accumulator n: 1. a vessel or
tank that receives and temporarily
stores a liquid used in a continuous
process in a gas plant. n: 2. on a
drilling rig, the storage device for
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nitrogen pressurised hydraulic
fluid, which is used in closing the
Blowout Preventers. See Blowout
Preventer control/ unit.
accumulator bank n:
an assemblage of multiple
accumulators sharing a common
manifold. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
accumulator precharge
n: an initial nitrogen charge
in an accumulator which is
further compressed when the
hydraulic fluid is pumped into
the accumulator storing potential
energy. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
acidity n: the quality of being
acid. Relative acid strength of a
liquid is measured by pH. A liquid
with a pH below 7 is acid. See pH
value.
acoustic control system
n: a subsea control system that
uses coded acoustic signals for
communication. An acoustic
control system is normally used
as an emergency backup, having
control of a few selected critical
functions. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
actuation test, Blowout
Preventer n: the closing and
opening of a Blowout Preventer
unit to assure mechanical
functionality. (API Recommended
Practice 57)
actuator n: a device used to
open or close a valve by means
of applied manual, hydraulic,
pneumatic or electrical energy.
(API Recommended Practice 64)

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adapter n: a pressure containing
piece of equipment having API
end connections of different
nominal sizes and/or pressure
ratings, used to connect other
pieces of equipment of different
API nominal sizes and/or pressure
ratings. (API Specification 16A)
adapter spool n: a joint to
connect Blowout Preventers of
different sizes or pressure ratings
to the casing head.
adjustable choke n: a choke
in which the position of a conical
needle or sleeve may be changed
with respect to its seat, to vary the
rate of flow; may be manual or
automatic. See choke.
aerated fluid n: drilling fluid
injected with air or gas in varying
amounts for the purpose of
reducing hydrostatic head. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
air actuated adj.: powered by
compressed air, for example, the
clutch and the brake system in
drilling equipment.
air drilling n: a method of rotary
drilling that uses compressed air
as the circulation medium. The
conventional method of removing
cuttings from the well bore is to
use a flow of water or drilling
fluid. Compressed air removes
the cuttings with equal or greater
efficiency. The rate of penetration
is usually increased considerably
when air drilling is used. A
principal problem in air drilling,
however, is the penetration of
formations containing water, since
the entry of water into the system
reduces the ability of the air to
remove the cuttings.
Glossary of Oil field terms
air gap n: the distance from the American Society of
normal level of the sea surface to Mechanical Engineers n: a
the bottom of the hull or base of New York City based organisation
an offshore drilling platform. whose equipment standards
are sometimes used by the oil
air/gas drilling v: refer to industry. Its official publication is
aerated fluid Mechanical Engineering.
air pump/air powered pump anchor n: any device that secures
n: air driven hydraulic piston or fastens equipment. In down
pump. (API Recommended hole equipment, the term often
Practice 16E) refers to the tail pipe. In offshore
drilling, floating drilling vessels
alkali n: a substance having are often secured over drill sites
marked basic (alkaline) properties, by large metal anchors like those
such as a hydroxide of an alkali used on ships.
metal. See base.
anchor buoy n: a floating
alkalinity n: the combining marker used in a spread mooring
power of a base, or alkali as system to position each anchor
measured by the number of of a semi submersible rig or drill
equivalents of an acid with which ship.
it reacts to form a salt. Measured
by pH alkalinity is possessed by angle of deflection n: in
any solution that has a pH greater directional drilling, the angle,
than 7. See pH value. expressed in degrees, at which a
well is deflected from the vertical
American Petroleum Institute by a whipstock or other deflecting
(API) n: founded in 1920, this tool.
national oil trade organisation
is the leading standardising angle of deviation n: also
organisation for oil field drilling and called drift angle and angle of
producing equipment. It maintains drift. See deviation.
departments of transportation,
refining, and marketing in annular blowout preventer
Washington, DC, and a department n: a large valve with a generally
of production in Dallas. adj.: (slang) thyroidal shaped steel reinforced
indicative of a job being properly or elastomer packing element that
thoroughly done (as, “His work is is hydraulically operated to close
strictly API”). and seal around any drill pipe size
or to provide full closure of the
American Petroleum Institute well bore. Usually installed above
recommended practice the ram preventers, it forms a seal
(APIRP) in the annular space between the
pipe and the well bore or, if no
American Society for Testing pipe is present, on the well bore
and Materials n: an itself.
organisation, based in
Philadelphia, which sets annular capacity (Ca)
guidelines for the testing and use
of equipment and materials.
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annular packing element n:
a rubber/steel torus that effects
a seal in an annular preventer or
diverter. The annular packing
element is displaced toward
the bore centre by the upward
movement of an annular piston.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
annular pressure loss (APL) n:
annular sealing device n:
generally, a torus shaped steel
housing containing an annular
packing element which facilitates
closure of the annulus by
constricting to seal on the pipe
or kelly in the well bore. Some
annular sealing devices also
facilitate shutoff of the open hole.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
annular space n: 1. the space
surrounding a cylindrical object
within a cylinder. 2. the space
around a pipe in a well bore, the
outer wall of which may be the
wall of either the borehole or the
casing; sometimes termed the
annulus.
annular velocity n: the rate at
which fluid is travelling in the
annular space of a drilling well.
annulus n: also called annular
space. See annular space.
annulus friction pressure n:
circulating pressure loss inherent
in the annulus between the drill
string and casing or open hole.
anticline n: an arched, inverted
trough configuration of folded and
stratified rock layers.
anticlinal trap n: a hydrocarbon
trap in which petroleum
accumulates in the top of an
anticline. See anticline.
Glossary of Oil field terms
antifreeze n: a chemical
compound that prevents the water
in the cooling system of an engine
from freezing. Glycols are often
used as antifreeze agents.
API gravity n: the measure of
the density or gravity of liquid
petroleum products, derived from
specific gravity in accordance
with the following equation:
API gravity is expressed in
degrees, a specific gravity of 10
being equivalent to 10˚ API.
141.5
APl gravity = 131.5
specific gravity
artificial lift n: any method used
to raise oil to the surface through
a well after reservoir pressure has
declined to the point at which the
well no longer produces by means
of natural energy. Sucker rod
pumps, gas lift, hydraulic pumps,
and submersible electric pumps
are the most common forms of
artificial lift.
astern adv. or adj.: 1. at or
toward the stem of a ship or an
offshore drilling rig; abaft. 2.
behind the ship or rig.
atmosphere n: a unit of pressure
equal to the atmospheric pressure
at sea level, 14.7 pounds per
square inch (101.325 kPa). One
Atmosphere is equal to 14.7 psi or
101.325 kPa.
atmospheres absolute n
pl.: total pressure at a depth
underwater, expressed as
multiples of normal atmospheric
pressure.
atmospheric pressure n: the
pressure exerted by the weight of
the atmosphere. At sea level, the
pressure is approximately 14.7 psi
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(101.325 kPa), often referred to as
1 atmosphere.
attapulgite n: a fibrous clay
mineral that is a viscosity building
substance, used principally in
saltwater base drilling fluids.
automatic choke n: an adjustable
choke that is power operated
to control pressure or flow. See
adjustable choke.
automatic control n: a device
that regulates various factors
(such as flow rate, pressure, or
temperature) of a system without
supervision or operation by
personnel. See instrumentation.
automatic driller n: a
mechanism used to regulate
the amount of weight on the bit
without requiring attendance by
personnel. Automatic Drillers free
the driller from the sometimes
tedious task of manipulating the
draw works brake in order to
maintain correct weight on the bit.
Also called an automatic drilling
control unit.
automatic fill up shoe n: a
device that is installed on the
first joint of casing and that
automatically regulates the
amount of fluid in the casing. The
valve in this shoe keeps fluid from
entering the casing until fluid
pressure causes the valve to open,
allowing fluid to enter the casing.
automatic gauge n: an
instrument installed on the outside
of a tank to permit observation of
the depth of the liquid inside.
automatic slips n: a device,
operated by air or hydraulic fluid,
that fits into the opening in the
rotary table when the drill stem
must be suspended in the well

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bore (as when a connection or trip
is being made). Automatic slips,
also called power slips, eliminate
the need for roughneck’s to set
and take out slips manually. See
slips.
auxiliary brake n: a braking
mechanism, supplemental to the
mechanical brake, that permits the
safe lowering of heavy hook loads
at retarded rates, without incurring
appreciable brake maintenance.
There are two types of auxiliary
brakes the hydrodynamic and the
electrodynamic. In both types,
work is converted into heat,
which is dissipated through liquid
cooling systems.
azimuth n: 1. in directional
drilling, the direction of the face
of the deviation tool with respect
to magnet north, as recorded by
a deviation instrument. 2. an arc
of the horizon measured between
a fixed point (such as true north)
and the vertical circle passing
through the centre of an object.
back off v: to unscrew one
threaded piece (such as a section
of pipe) from another.
back off joint n: a section of
pipe with left hand threads on one
end and conventional right hand
threads on the other. In setting a
liner, a back off joint is attached
to it so that the drill pipe may
be disengaged from the liner by
conventional right hand rotation.
back pressure n: 1. the pressure
maintained on equipment or
systems through which a fluid
flows. 2. in reference to engines,
a term used to describe the
resistance to the flow of exhaust
gas through the exhaust pipe.
Glossary of Oil field terms
back pressure valve n: a valve
that permits flow in only one
direction (API Recommended
Practice 57)
backup tongs n: the tongs used
to back up the drill pipe as it is
being made up into or taken out of
the drill stem.
baffle plate n: 1. a partial
restriction, generally a plate,
placed to change the direction,
guide the flow, or promote mixing
within a tank or vessel. 2. a device
that is seated on the bit pin, in a
tool joint, or in a drill pipe float,
used to centralise the lower end
of a go devil while permitting
the bypass of drilling fluid. The
go devil contains a surveying
instrument.
bail n: a cylindrical steel bar
(similar in form to the handle
or bail of a bucket, but much
larger) that supports the swivel
and connects it to the hook.
Sometimes, the two cylindrical
bars that support the elevators and
attach them to the hook are also
called bails or links. v: to recover
bottomhole fluids, samples, fluid,
sand, or drill cuttings by lowering
a cylindrical vessel called a bailer
to the bottom of a well, filling it,
and retrieving it.
bailer n: a long cylindrical
container, fitted with a valve at its
lower end, used to remove water,
sand, fluid, drill cuttings, or oil
from a well.
ball valve n: a valve which
employs a rotating ball to open
or dose the flow passage. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
barge n: any one of many types
of flat decked, shallow draft
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
vessels, usually towed by a boat.
A complete drilling rig may be
assembled on a drilling barge,
which usually is submersible;
that is, it has a submersible
hull or base that is flooded with
water at the drilling site. Drilling
equipment and crew quarters
are mounted on a superstructure
above the water level.
barite n: barium Sulphate,
BaSO4; a mineral frequently used
to increase the weight or density
of drilling fluid. Its specific
gravity or relative density is 4.2
(i.e., it is 4.2 times heavier or
denser than water). See Barium
Sulphate and fluid.
barite plug n: a settled volume
of barite particles from a barite
slurry placed in the well bore to
seal off a pressured zone. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
barium sulphate n: a chemical
compound of barium, Sulphur,
and oxygen (BaSO4). It may
form a tenacious scale that is very
difficult to remove. Also called
barite.
barrel n: a measure of volume
for petroleum products in the
United States. One barrel is the
equivalent of 42 US gallons or
0.15899 cubic metres. One cubic
metre equals 6.2897 barrels.
barrels per day n: in the United
States, a measure of the rate of
flow of a well; the total amount of
oil and other fluids produced or
processed per day.
baryte n: variation of barite. See
barite
base n: a substance capable of
reacting with an acid to form a

salt. A typical base is sodium
hydroxide (caustic), with the
chemical formula NaOH. For
example, sodium hydroxide
combines with hydrochloric acid
to form sodium chloride (a salt)
and water; this reaction is written
chemically as NaOH + HCl .
NaCI + H2O
basement rock n: either
igneous or metamorphic rock,
seldom containing petroleum.
Ordinarily it lies below
sedimentary rock. When it is
encountered in drilling, the well is
usually abandoned.
basin n: a synclinal structure in
the subsurface, formerly the bed
of an ancient sea. Because it is
composed of sedimentary rock
and because its contours provide
traps for petroleum, a basin is a
good prospect for exploration.
For example, the Permian Basin
in West Texas is a major oil
producer.
battery n: 1. an installation of
identical or nearly identical pieces
of equipment (such as a tank
battery or a battery of meters). 2. bit n: the cutting or boring
an electricity storage device.
bed n: a specific layer of earth or cutting element and a circulating
rock, presenting a contrast to other element. The circulating element
layers of different material lying
above, below, or adjacent to it.
bedding plane n: the surface
that separates each successive
layer of a stratified rock from its joined to the bottom end of the
preceding layer.
belching v: a slang term to
denote flowing by heads (API
Recommended Practice 59).
bell nipple n: a short length of
pipe (a nipple) installed on top of
Glossary of Oil field terms
the Blowout Preventer. The top
end of the nipple is expanded, or
belled, to guide drill tools into
the hole and usually has side
connections for the fill line and
fluid return line.
below rotary table (BRT)
bent housing n: a special
housing for the positive
displacement down hole fluid
motor that is manufactured with
a bend of 1 3 degrees to facilitate
directional drilling.
bentonite n: a colloidal
clay, composed primarily of
montmorillonite, that swells when
wet. Because of its gel forming
properties, bentonite is a major
component of drilling fluids. See
gel.
bent sub n: a short cylindrical
device installed in the drill stem
between the bottom most drill
collar and a down hole fluid
motor. The purpose of the bent
sub is to deflect the fluid motor off
vertical to drill a directional hole.
See drill stem test.
element used in drilling oil and
gas wells. The bit consists of a
permits the passage of drilling
fluid and utilises the hydraulic
force of the fluid stream to
improve drilling rates. In rotary
drilling, several drill collars are
drill pipe column, and the bit is
attached to the end of the string
of drill collars. Most bits used in
rotary drilling are roller cone bits,
but diamond bits are also used
extensively. See roller cone bit
and diamond bit.
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bit breaker n: a heavy plate that
fits in the rotary table and holds
the drill bit while it is being made
up in, or broken out of, the drill
stem. See bit.
bit gauge n: a circular ring used
to determine whether a bit is of
the correct outside diameter. Bit
gauges are often used to determine
whether the bit has been worn
down to a diameter smaller than
specifications allow; such a bit is
described as under gauge.
bit sub n: a sub inserted between
the drill collar and the bit.
blank casing n: casing without
perforations.
blank flange n: a solid disk
used to dead end, or close off, a
companion flange.
blast hole drilling n: the
drilling of holes into the earth for
the purpose of placing a blasting
charge (such as dynamite) in
them.
bleed v: to drain off liquid or gas,
generally slowly, through a valve
called a bleeder.
blind drilling n: a drilling
operation in which the drilling
fluid is not resumed to the
surface. Sometimes blind drilling
techniques are resorted to when
lost circulation occurs.
blind ram n: an integral part of
a Blowout Preventer that serves
as the closing element on an open
hole. Its ends do not fit around
the drill pipe but seal against each
other and shut off the space below
completely. See ram.

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blind ram preventer n: a
Blowout Preventer in which blind
rams are the closing elements.
blind/shear rams n: blind
rams with a built in cutting edge
that will shear tubulars that may
be in the hole, thus allowing the
blind rams to seal the hole. Used
primarily in subsea systems. (API
Recommended Practice 53).
block n: any assembly of
pulleys, a common framework; in
mechanics, one or more pulleys,
or sheaves, mounted to rotate on a
common axis. The crown block is
an assembly of sheaves mounted
on beams at the top of the derrick.
The drilling line is reeved over
the sheaves of the crown block
alternately with the sheaves of the
travelling block, which is raised
and lowered in the derrick by
the drilling line. When elevators
are attached to a hook on the
travelling block and drill pipe
latched in the elevators, the pipe
can be raised or lowered.
block position n: the centre
position of a three position control
valve. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
blooey line n: the discharge pipe
from a well being drilled by air
drilling. The blooey line is used
to conduct the air or gas used for
circulation away from the rig to
reduce the fire hazard as well as
to transport the cuttings a suitable
distance from the well. See air
drilling
blowout n: an uncontrolled flow
of gas, oil, or other well fluids into
the atmosphere. A blowout, or
gusher, can occur when formation
pressure exceeds the pressure
applied to it by the column of
Glossary of Oil field terms
drilling fluid. A kick warns of
an impending blowout. See
formation pressure and kick.
blowout preventer (BOP) n:
one of several valves installed at
the wellhead to prevent the escape
of pressure, either in the annular
space between the casing and drill
pipe or in open hole (i.e., hole
with no drill pipe) during drilling
completion operations. Blowout
preventers on land rigs are located
beneath the rig at the land’s
surface; and on floating offshore
rigs, on the sea floor. See annular
blowout preventer, inside blowout
preventer, and ram blowout
preventer.
blowout preventer control
panel n: a set of controls,
usually located near the driller’s
position on the rig floor, that is
manipulated to open and close the
Blowout Preventers.
blowout preventer control
unit n: a service that stores
hydraulic fluid under pressure in
special containers and provides
a method to open and close the
Blowout Preventers quickly and
reliably. Usually, compressed air
and hydraulic pressure provide the
opening and closing force in the
unit.
blowout preventer drill n: a
training procedure to determine
that rig crews are familiar with
correct operating practices to be
followed in the use of blowout
prevention equipment. A “dry
run” of blowout preventive action.
(API Standard 53)
blowout preventer stack n
pl: the assembly of well control
equipment, including preventers,
spools, valves and nipples
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
connected to the top of the casing
head (API Recommended Practice
53).
blowout preventer test tool n:
a tool to allow pressure testing of
the Blowout Preventer stack and
accessory equipment by sealing
the well bore immediately below
the stack. (API Recommended
Practice 53).
body n: any portion of API
equipment between end
connections, with or without
internal parts, which contains well
bore pressure. (API Specification
16A)
boiling point n: the temperature
at which the vapour pressure of
a liquid becomes equal to the
pressure exerted on the liquid by
the surrounding atmosphere. The
boiling point of water is 212˚F
or 100˚C at atmospheric pressure
(14.7 psig or 101.325 kPa).
boll weevil n: (slang) an
inexperienced rig or oil field
worker; sometimes shortened to
weevil.
boll weevil corner n: (slang,
obsolete) the work station of an
inexperienced rotary helper, on
the opposite side of the rotary
from the pipe racker.
bolting n pl: threaded fasteners
(studs, nuts, bolts and cap
screws) used to assemble
pressure containing parts or join
end or outlet connections. (API
Specification 16A)
BOP closing ratio (Ram BOP)
n: a dimension less factor equal to
the well bore pressure divided by
the operating pressure necessary
to dose a Ram BOP against well

bore pressure. Usually calculated
for maximum rated well bore
pressure. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
BOP stack maximum rated
well bore pressure n: the
pressure containment rating of
the ram Blowout Preventer’s in a
stack. In the event that the rams
are rated at different pressures,
the Blowout Preventer Stack
Maximum Rated Well bore
Pressure is considered equal to
the lowest rated ram Blowout
Preventer pressure. In stacks
which do not contain any ram
Blowout Preventer, the Blowout
Preventer stack maximum rated
well bore pressure is considered
equal to the lowest rated Blowout
Preventer pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
bore n: 1. the inside diameter
of a pipe or a drilled hole. 2. the
diameter of the cylinder of an
engine.
borehole n: the well bore; the
hole made by drilling or boring.
See well bore.
borehole pressure n: total
pressure exerted in the well bore
by a column of fluid and/or back
pressure imposed at the surface.
(API Recommended Practice 57).
bottom hole n: the lowest
or deepest part of a well. adj.:
pertaining to the bottom of the
well bore.
bottom hole assembly (BHA)
n: the portion of the drilling
assembly below the drill pipe. It
can be very simple composed of
only the bit and drill collars or it
can be very complex and made up
of several drilling tools.
Glossary of Oil field terms
bottom hole pressure (BHP)
n: 1. the pressure at the bottom
of a borehole. It is caused by
the hydrostatic pressure of the
drilling fluid in the hole and,
sometimes, any back pressure
held at the surface, as when the
well is shut in with a Blowout
Preventer. When fluid is being
circulated, bottom hole pressure
is the hydrostatic pressure plus
the remaining circulating pressure
required to move the fluid up the
annulus. 2. the pressure in a well
at a point opposite the producing
formation, as recorded by a
bottom hole pressure bomb.
bottom hole pressure bomb
n: a bomb used to record the
pressure in a well at a point
opposite the producing formation.
bottom hole temperature n:
temperature measured in a well
at a depth at the midpoint of the
thickness of the producing zone.
bottoms up n: a complete trip
from the bottom of the well bore
to the top.
bottoms up gas n: gas that
has risen to the surface from
previously drilled gas bearing
formations. (API Recommended
Practice 64).
bottom supported drilling
vessels n pl: offshore drilling
vessels which float to the desired
drilling location and are either
ballasted or jacked up so that
the vessel is supported by the
ocean floor while in the drilling
mode. Rigs of this type include
platforms, submersibles, swamp
barges and jack up drilling rigs.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
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bourdon tube n: a flattened
metal tube bent in a curve, which
tends to straighten when pressure
is applied internally. By the
movements of an indicator over
a circular scale, a Bourdon tube
indicates the pressure applied.
box n: the female section of a
connection. See tool joint
box and pin n: See tool joint
Boyle’s law n: a gas law that
concerns pressure. It states that for
any ideal gas or mixture of ideal
gases at any definite temperature,
the product of the absolute
pressure times the volume is a
constant (PV = K).
bradenhead n: (obsolete) casing
head.
bradenhead flange n: a flanged
connection at the top of the oil
well casing.
bradenhead squeezing v:
the process by which hydraulic
pressure is applied to a well to
force fluid or cement outside
the well bore without the use of
a packer. The Bradenhead, or
casing head, is closed to shut
off the annulus when making a
Bradenhead squeeze. Although
this term is still used, the term
Bradenhead is obsolete. See
annular space and casing head
and squeeze.
brake n: a device for arresting the
motion of a mechanism, usually
by means of friction, as in the
draw works brake.
brake band n: a part of the
brake mechanism, consisting of
a flexible steel band lined with
asbestos or a similar material, that

•
grips a drum when tightened. On
a drilling rig, the brake band acts
on the flanges of the draw works
drum to control the lowering of
the travelling block and its load of
drill pipe, casing, or tubing.
brake block n: a section of the
lining of a band brake; it is shaped
to conform to the curvature of
the band and is attached to it with
countersunk screws. See brake
band.
break circulation v: to start
the fluid pump for restoring
circulation of the fluid column.
As the stagnant drilling fluid has
thickened or gelled during the
period of no circulation, a high
pump pressure is usually required
to break circulation.
breaking strength n: the load
under which a chain or a rope
breaks.
break out v: 1. to unscrew one
section of pipe from another
section, especially drill pipe while
it is being withdrawn from the
well bore. During this operation,
the tongs are used to start the
unscrewing operation. 2. to
separate, as gas from a liquid or
water from an emulsion.
breathe v: to move with a slight,
regular rhythm. Breathing occurs
in tanks of vessels when vapours
are expelled and air is taken in.
For example, a tank of crude oil
expands because of the rise in
temperature during the day and
contracts as it cools at night,
expelling vapours as it expands
and taking in air as it contracts.
Tubing breathes when it moves
up and down in sequence with a
sucker rod pump.
Glossary of Oil field terms
breather n: a small vent in an
otherwise airtight enclosure for
maintaining equality of pressure
within and without.
bridge n: 1. an obstruction in
the borehole, usually caused by
the caving in of the wall of the
borehole or by the intrusion of
a larger boulder. 2. a tool placed
in the hole to retain cement or
other material that may later
be removed, drilled out, or left
permanently.
bridge plug n: a down hole
tool, composed primarily of slips,
a plug mandrel, and a rubber
sealing element, that is run and set
in casing to isolate a lower zone
while an upper section is being
tested or cemented.
bridging material n: the fibrous,
flaky or granular material added to
cement slurry or drilling fluid to
aid in sealing formations in which
lost circulation has occurred.
See lost circulation and lost
circulation material.
brine n: water that has a large
quantity of salt, especially sodium
chloride, dissolved in it; salt
water.
bring in a well v: to complete
a well and put it on producing
status.
broaching v: venting of fluids
to the surface or to the seabed
through channels external to
the casing. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
bubble point n: 1. the temperature
and pressure at which part of a
liquid begins to convert to gas.
For example, if a certain volume
of liquid is held at constant
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
pressure, but its temperature
is increased, a point is reached
when bubbles of gas begin to
form in the liquid. That is the
bubble point. Similarly, if a
certain volume of liquid is held
at a constant temperature but the
pressure is reduced, the point at
which gas begins to form is the
bubble point. 2. the temperature
and pressure at which gas, held in
solution in crude oil, breaks out of
solution as free gas.
buckling stress n: bending of
the pipe which may occur due to
deviation of the hole. The pipe
may bend because of the angle of
the hole or because of an abrupt
deviation such as a dog leg.
building test n: a test in which
a well is shut in for a prescribed
period of time and a bottom hole
pressure bomb run in the well to
record the pressure. From this data
and from knowledge of pressures
in a nearby well, the effective
drainage radius or the presence
of permeability barriers or other
production deterrents surrounding
the well bore can be estimated
bullet perforator n: a tubular
device that, when lowered to
a selected depth within a well,
fires bullets through the casing to
provide holes through which the
formation fluids may enter the
well bore.
bullhead squeezing v: the
process by which hydraulic
pressure is applied to a well
to force fluid such as cement
outside the well bore. Annular
flow (returns) is prevented by a
packer set in the casing above the
perforations and/or in open hole.
(API Recommended Practice 57).

bull plug n: a threaded nipple
with a rounded closed end, used to
stop up a hole or close off the end
of a line.
bumpless transfer v: the
transfer from main electrical
supply power to an alternate
electrical power supply without
losing signal and/or memory
circuit normally associated
with poser interruption. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
buoyancy n: the apparent loss
of weight of an object immersed
in a fluid. If the object is floating,
the immersed portion displaces a
volume of fluid the weight of which
is equal to the weight of the object.
bypass valve n: A valve that
permits flow around a control
valve, a piece of equipment, or a
system.
calibration n: comparison and
adjustment to a standard of known
accuracy. (API Specification 16A)
cap a well v: to control a blowout
by placing a very strong valve on
the well head. See blowout.
cap rock n: 1. impermeable rock
overlying an oil or gas reservoir
that tends to prevent migration of
oil or gas out of the reservoir. 2.
The porous and permeable strata
overlying salt domes that may
serve as the reservoir rock.
carbon dioxide n: a colourless,
odourless gaseous compound
of carbon and oxygen (CO2). A
product of combustion and a filler
for fire extinguishers, this heavier
than air gas can collect in low
lying areas where it may displace
oxygen and present the hazard of
anoxia.
Glossary of Oil field terms
carbon monoxide n: a
colourless, odourless gaseous
compound of carbon and oxygen
(CO). A product of incomplete
combustion, it is extremely
poisonous to breathe. cascade
system n: in respiratory systems, a
series connection of air cylinders
in which the output of air from
one adds to that of the next.
cased adj.: pertaining to a well
bore in which casing has been run
and cemented.
cased hole n: a well bore in
which casing has been run.
case hardened adj.: hardened
(as for a ferrous alloy) so that the
surface layer is harder than the
interior.
casing n: steel pipe placed in
an oil or gas well as drilling
progresses, to prevent the wall of
the hole from caving in during
drilling, to prevent seepage of
fluids, and to provide a means of
extracting petroleum if the well is
productive.
casing hanger n: a circular
device with a frictional gripping
arrangement, used to suspend
casing in a well.
casing head/spool n: a heavy,
flanged steel fitting connected to
the first string of casing. It provides
a housing for slips and packing
assemblies, allows suspension of
intermediate and production strings
of casing and supplies the means
for the annulus to be sealed off.
Also called a spool.
casing pressure n: the pressure
built up in a well between the
casing and tubing or the casing
and drill pipe.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
casing seat test n: a
procedure whereby the formation
immediately below the casing
shoe is subjected to a pressure
equal to the pressure expected
to be exerted later by a higher
drilling fluid density and back
pressure created by a kick. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
casing shoe n: the rounded
concrete bottom end of a string
casing. (API Recommended
Practice 64).
casing string n: the entire
length of all the joints of
casing run in well. Casing is
manufactured in lengths of about
30 feet (9 metres), each length or
joint being joined to another as
casing is run in a well.
casting n: (1) an object at or
near finished shape obtained by
solidification of a substance in
a mould. v: (2) pouring molten
metal into a mould to produce
an object of desired shape. (API
Specification 16A)
catalyst n: a substance that alters,
accelerates, or instigates chemical
reactions without itself being
affected.
cathode n: 1. one of two
electrodes in an electrolytic
cell, represented as the positive
terminal of a cell. 2. in cathodic
protection systems, the protected
structure that is representative of
the cathode and is protected by
having a conventional current
flow from an anode to the
structure through the electrolyte.
caustic soda n: sodium
hydroxide, used to maintain an
alkaline pH in drilling fluid and in
petroleum fractions. Its formula is
NaOH.

•
caving n: collapsing of the
walls of the well bore, also called
sloughing
cavings n pl.: particles that fall
off (are sloughed from) the wall
of the well bore. Not the same as
cuttings.
celsius scale n. the metric
scale of temperature measurement
used universally by scientists. On
this scale 0 degrees represents
the freezing point of water and
100 degrees its boiling point at a
barometric pressure of 760 mm.
Degrees Celsius are converted to
degrees Fahrenheit by using the
following equation:
°F=9/5x(°C)+32
The Celsius scale was formerly
called the centigrade scale, now,
however, the term Celsius is
preferred in the international
System of Units (SI).
cement plug n: a portion of
cement placed at some point in
the well bore to seal it.
change rams v: to take rams
out of a Blowout Preventer and
replace them with rams of a
different size or type. When the
size of a drill pipe is changed,
the size of the pipe rams must be
changed to ensure that they seal
around the pipe when closed.
channelling n: the bypassing
of oil in a water drive field due
to erratic or uncontrolled water
encroachment. The natural
tendency toward channelling
is aggravated by excessive
production rates, which encourage
premature water encroachment.
Charles’s law n: a gas law that
states that at constant pressure the
Glossary of Oil field terms
volume of a fixed mass or quantity choke manifold n pl: the
of gas varies directly with the
absolute temperature.
check valve n: a valve that
permits flow in one direction
only. Commonly referred to as
a one way valve. If the gas or
liquid starts to reverse, the valve Preventer.
automatically closes, preventing
reverse movement.
chemical analysis n:
determination of the chemical
composition of material. (API
Specification 16A)
chert n: a quartzitic rock with
hardness equal to or harder than
flint.
choke n: a device with an orifice
installed in a line to restrict the
flow of fluids. Surface chokes are
part of the Christmas tree on a
well and contain a choke nipple,
or bean, with a small diameter
bore that serves to restrict the
flow. Chokes are also used to
control the rate of flow of the
drilling fluid out of the hole when
the well is closed in with the
Blowout Preventer and a kick is
being circulated out of the hole.
choke and kill valves n pl:
BOP stack mounted valves which
are connected below the BOPs to
allow access to the well bore to
either choke or kill the well. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
choke line n: a high pressure
line connected below a BOP to
direct well fluids from the annulus
to the choke manifold during well
control operations.
choke line pressure losses
(CLPL)
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
arrangement of piping and special
valves, called chokes, through
which drilling fluid is circulated
when the Blowout Preventers
are closed and which is used to
control the pressures encountered
during a kick. See Blowout
christmas tree n: the control
valves, pressure gauges, and
chokes assembled at the top of a
well to control the flow of oil and
gas after the well has been drilled
and completed.
circulate v: to pass from one
point throughout a system
and back to the starting point.
For example, drilling fluid is
circulated out of the suction pit,
down the drill pipe and drill
collars, out the bit, up the annulus
and back to the pits while drilling
proceeds.
circulate and weight method
n: a method of killing well
pressure in which circulation is
commenced immediately and fluid
weight is brought up gradually,
according to a definite schedule.
Also called concurrent method.
circulating device n: a flow
control device such as a sliding
sleever or side pocket mandrel,
which is run on production/
injection tubing for the purpose
of establishing communications
between tubing and the tubing
annulus. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
circulating fluid n: also called
drilling fluid. See drilling fluid.
circulating head n: a device
attached to the top drill pipe or
tubing to allow pumping into the

well without use of the kelly. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
circulating pressure n: the
pressure generated by the fluid
pumps and exerted on the drill
stem.
clamp connection n: a pressure
sealing device used to join two
items without using conventional
bolted flange joints. The two
items to be sealed are prepared
with clamp hubs. These hubs
are held together by a clamp
containing two to four bolts (API
Recommended Practice 53).
cleanout n: a point in the flow
line piping where access to the
internal area of the pipe can
be achieved for the purpose of
removing accumulated debris and
drill cuttings. (API Recommended
Practice 64).
closed in pressure n: See
formation pressure.
close in v: 1. to temporarily
shut in a well that is capable of
producing oil or gas. 2. to close
the Blowout Preventers on a well
to control a kick. The Blowout
Preventers close off the annulus so
that pressure from below cannot
flow to the surface.
closed loop circuit n: a
hydraulic control circuit in which
spent fluid is returned to the
reservoir. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
closing unit (closing system)
n pl: the assembly of pumps,
valves, lines, accumulators, and
other items necessary to open
and close the Blowout Preventer
equipment. (API Recommended
Practice 59).
Glossary of Oil field terms
closing ratio n: the ratio
between the pressure in the hole
and the operating piston pressure
needed to close the rams of a
Blowout Preventer.
closing unit pump n: term for
an electric or hydraulic pump
on an accumulator, serving to
pump hydraulic fluid under
high pressure to the Blowout
Preventers so that the preventers
may be closed or opened.
closure bolting n pl: fasteners
used to assemble API Spec
16A equipment other than end
and outlet connections. (API
Specification 16A)
collapse pressure n: the
amount of force needed to crush
the sides of pipe until it caves in
on itself. Collapse occurs when
the pressure outside the pipe is
greater than the pressure inside
the pipe.
come out of the hole v: to pull
the drill stem out of the well bore.
This withdrawal is necessary to
change the bit, change from a core
barrel to the bit, run electric logs,
prepare for a drill stem test, run
casing, and so on.
company man n: also called
company representative.
company representative
n: an employee of an operating
company whose job is to represent
the companies interests at the
drilling location.
compressibility factor n:
a factor, usually expressed
as Z, which gives the ratio of
the actual volume of gas at a
given temperature and pressure
to the volume of gas when
calculated by the ideal gas law
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
without any consideration of the
compressibility factor.
concentric operations n pl:
well operations conducted using
small diameter tubing inside
conventional tubing or tubing less
completion’s, normally with the
Christmas tree in place and using
a small rig or hoisting unit. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
conductor casing onshore
and bottom supported
offshore installations n: a
relatively short string of large
diameter pipe which is set to
keep the top of the hole open and
provide a means of resuming the
upflowing drilling fluid from the
well bore to the surface drilling
fluid system onshore and bottom
supported offshore installations.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
conductor casing floating
installations n: the first string of
pipe installed below the structural
casing on which the well head
and Blowout Preventer equipment
are installed. (API Recommended
Practice 64).
conductor pipe n: 1. a short
string of large diameter casing
used to keep the well bore
open and to provide a means of
conveying the up flowing drilling
fluid from the well bore to the
fluid pit. 2. a boot.
conformance n: compliance
with specified .(API Specification
16A)
constant choke pressure
method n: a method of killing a
well that has kicked, in which the
choke size is adjusted to maintain
a constant casing pressure. This
method does not work unless the

•
kick is all or nearly all salt water,
it the kick is gas, this method will
not maintain a constant bottom
hole pressure because gas expands
as it rises in the annulus.
constant pit level method
n: a method of killing a well in
which the fluid level in the pits
is held constant while the choke
size is reduced and the pump
speed slowed. It is not effective
because casing pressure increases
to the point where the formation
fractures or casing ruptures, and
control of the well is lost.
continental shelf n: a zone,
adjacent to a continent, that
extends from the low waterline
to the point at which the sea floor
slopes off steeply to 600 feet (183
m) deep or more.
continuous reeled tubing/
coiled tubing n pl: tubing stored
on a reel that can be run in and
out of a well without making a
connection. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
control fluid n: hydraulic oil or
water based fluid which, under
pressure, pilots the operation of
control valves or directly operates
functions. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
control hose bundle n pl: a
group of pilot and signal hoses
assembled into a bundle with
an outer protective sheath. For
subsea applications it may contain
a hydraulic supply line. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
control line n: a flexible hose
or rigid line that transmits
the hydraulic power fluid to a
function. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
Glossary of Oil field terms
control manifold n pl: the office, and on a land rig,
assemblage of valves, regulators, at least 100 feet from the
gauges and piping used to regulate well centre on the leeward
pressures and control the flow side of the prevailing wind.
of hydraulic power fluid to
operate system functions. (API control pod n pl: the
Recommended Practice 16E). assemblage of valves and pressure
control panel n: an enclosure regulators which respond to
displaying an array of switches, control signals to direct hydraulic
push buttons, lights and/or valves power fluid through assigned
and various pressure gauges or porting, to operate functions. (API
meters to control or monitor Recommended Practice 16E).
functions. Control panel types control valve (surface
include: diverter panel, Driller’s control system) n: a valve
panel, master panel and mini or mounted on the hydraulic
auxiliary remote panel. All of manifold which directs hydraulic
these panels are remote *on the power fluid to the selected
main hydraulic manifold and can function (such as annular BOP
be pneumatic, electric or hydraulic close) while simultaneously
powered. (API Recommended venting the opposite function
Practice 16E). (annular BOP open). (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
a) diverter panel n: a panel
that is dedicated to the control valve (subsea control
diverter and flow line system system) n: a pilot operated valve
functions. It is positioned in the subsea control pod that
for easy Driller’s access and directs power fluid to operate a
visual observation of the function.
activated functions.
conventional operations n
b) driller’s panel n: the BOP pl: well operations conducted
control panel mounted at the using a rig equipped with fluid
Driller’s position on the rig pumps, rotary table and other
floor equipment designed to perform
well Workovers, re Completions,
c) master panel (hydraulic and other work which requires
or electric) n: the panel removal of the Christmas tree
mounted in close proximity and pulling or manipulation of
to the main accumulator the tubing. (API Recommended
unit. All control Practice 57).
functions are operable
from this panel, including core n: a cylindrical sample taken
all regulators and gauges. from a formation for geological
analysis. Usually a conventional
d) mini or auxiliary remote core barrel is substituted for the
panel a limited function bit and produces a sample as it
panel mounted in a remote penetrates the formation. v: to
location for use as an obtain a formation sample for
emergency backup. On an analysis.
offshore rig it is normally
located in the Tool pusher’s
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

core barrel n: a tubular device,
usually from 10 to 60 feet long,
run at the bottom of the drill pipe
in place of a bit and used to cut a
core sample.
corrosion resistant ring
grooves n pl: ring grooves lined
with metal resistant to metal loss
corrosion. (API Specification
16A)
crew n: the workers on a drilling
or workover rig, including the
Driller, Derrickman, and rotary
helpers.
critical point n: 1. the point at
which, in terms of temperature
and pressure, a fluid cannot be
distinguished as being either a gas
or a liquid, the point at which the
physical properties of a liquid and
a gas are identical. 2. one of the
places along the length of drilling
line at which strain is exerted as
pipe is run into or pulled out of
the hole.
critical pressure n: the pressure
needed to condense a vapour at its
critical temperature.
critical temperature n: the
highest temperature at which
a substance can be separated
into two fluid phases liquid
and vapour. Above the critical
temperature, a gas cannot be
liquefied by pressure alone.
crossover sub n: a sub used
between two sizes or types of
threads in the drill stem assembly.
crude oil n: unrefined liquid
petroleum. It ranges in gravity
from 9˚ API to 55˚ API and in
colour from yellow to black, and
it may have a paraffin, asphalt,
or mixed base. If a crude oil, or
crude, contains a sizeable amount
Glossary of Oil field terms
of sulphur or sulphur compounds,
it is called a sour crude, if it has
little or no sulphur, it is called a
sweet crude. In addition, crude
oils may be referred to as heavy
or light according to API gravity,
the lighter oils having the higher
gravity’s. cubic centimetres n: a
commonly used unit of volume
measurement in the metric system
equal to 10 6 cubic metre, or 1
millilitre. The symbol for cubic
centimetre is cm .
cubic foot n: the volume of a
cube, all edges of which measure
1 foot. Natural gas is usually
measured in cubic feet, with the
most common standard cubic foot
being measured at 60˚F and 14.65 psi.
cubic metre n: a unit of volume
measurement in the metric system,
replacing the previous standard
unit known as the barrel, which
was equivalent to 35 imperial
gallons or 42 United States
gallons. The cubic metre equals
approximately 6.2898 barrels.
current method n: also called
circulate and weight method. See
circulate and-weight method.
cut drilling fluid n: well control
fluid which has been reduced in
density or unit weight as a result
of entrainment of less dense
formation fluids or air. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
cuttings n pl.: the fragments
of rock dislodged by the bit
and brought to the surface in
the drilling fluid. They are not
the same as cavings, which are
particles that fall off the wall of the
hole. Washed and dried samples
of the cuttings are analysed by
geologists to obtain information
about the formations drilled.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
cylinder head n: the device used
to seal the top of a cylinder. In
modern drilling rig engines, it also
houses the valves and has exhaust
passages. In four cycle operation,
the cylinder head also has intake
passages.
cylinder liner n: a removable,
replaceable sleeve that fits into a
cylinder. When the sliding of the
piston and rings wears out the
liner, it can be replaced without
the block having to be replaced.
daily drilling report (DDR)
n: a record made each day of the
operations on a working drilling
rig.
Darcy n: an unit of measure of
permeability. A porous medium
has a permeability of 1 darcy
when a pressure of 1 atmosphere
on a sample 1 cm long and 1
cm2 in cross section will force a
liquid of 1 cp. viscosity through
the sample at the rate of 1 cm3
per second. The permeability of
reservoir rocks is usually so low
that it is measured in millidarcy
units.
dart type blowout preventer
n: an inside preventer that is
installed on top of the drill stem
when the well is kicking through
the drill stem. It is stabbed
in the open position and then
dosed against the pressure. The
valve that closes is dart shaped,
therefore the name.
date of manufacture n: the
date of manufacturer’s final
acceptance of finished equipment.
(API Specification 16A)
dead well n: 1. a well that has
ceased to produce oil or gas, either
temporarily or permanently. 2. a
well that has kicked and been killed.

•
de foamer n: any chemical that
prevents or lessens frothing or
foaming in another agent.
degasser n: the device used
to remove unwanted gas from a
liquid, especially from drilling
fluid.
degree API n: a unit of
measurement of the American
Petroleum Institute that indicates
the weight, or density, of oil. See
API gravity.
dehydrate v: to remove water
from a substance. Dehydration
of crude oil is normally
accomplished by emulsion
treating with emulsion breakers.
The water vapour in natural gas
must be removed to meet pipeline
requirements, a typical maximum
allowable water vapour content is
7 lb per MMcf.
density n: the mass or weight of
a substance per unit volume. For
instance, the density of a drilling
fluid may be 10 pounds per gallon
(ppg), 74.8 pounds per cubic foot
(lb/ft3). Specific gravity, relative
density, and API gravity are other
units of density. See API gravity,
relative density, and specific
gravity.
Department of Energy &
Climate Change (DECC)
depth n: 1. the distance to which
a well is drilled, stipulated in a
drilling contract as contract depth.
Total depth is the depth after
drilling is finished. 2. on offshore
drilling rigs, the distance from the
baseline of a rig or a ship to the
uppermost continuous deck. 3. the
maximum pressure that a diver
attains during a dive, expressed in
feet (metres) of sea water.
Glossary of Oil field terms
de sander n: a centrifugal
device for removing sand from
drilling fluid to prevent abrasion
of the pumps. It may be operated
mechanically or by a fast moving
stream of fluid inside a special
cone shaped vessel, in which case
it is sometimes called a hydro
cyclone.
de silter n: a centrifugal device
for removing very fine particles,
or silt, from drilling fluid to keep
the amounts of solids in the fluid
at the lowest possible point.
Usually, the lower the solids
content of fluid, the faster is the
rate of penetration. The de sifter
works on the same principle as a
de sander.
deviation n: the inclination of
the well bore from the vertical.
The angle of deviation, angle of
drift, or drift angle is the angle in
degrees that shows the variation
from the vertical as revealed by a
deviation survey.
diameter n: the distance across
a circle, measured through its
centre. In the measurement of pipe
diameters, the inside diameter
is that of the interior circle and
the outside diameter that of the
exterior circle.
differential n: the difference
in quantity or degree between
two measurements of units. For
example, the pressure differential
across a choke is the variation
between the pressure on one side
to that on the other.
differential pressure n: the
difference between two fluid
pressures, for example, the
difference between the pressure
in a reservoir and in a well bore
drilled in the reservoir, or between
atmospheric pressure at sea level
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
and at 10,000 feet. Also called
pressure differential.
directional driller n: employed
by the directional drilling
contractor to supervise rig based
operations.
directional drilling n:
intentional deviation of a well
bore from the vertical. Although
well bores are nominally drilled
vertically, it is sometimes
necessary or advantageous to
drill at an angle from the vertical.
Controlled directional drilling
makes it possible to reach
subsurface areas laterally remote
from the point where the bit enters
the earth. It often involves the
use of turbo drills, Dyna Drills
whipstocks, or other deflecting
tools.
displacement n: the weight of
a fluid (such as water) displaced
by a freely floating or submerged
body (such as an offshore drilling
rig). If the body floats, the
displacement equals the weight of
the body.
diverter n: a system used to
control well blowouts encountered
at relatively shallow depths and
to protect floating rigs during
blowouts encountered at relatively
shallow depths and to protect
floating rigs during blowouts by
directing the flow away from the
rig. Diverters differ from Blowout
Preventers in that flow is not
stopped, but rather the flow path is
redirected away from the rig.
diverter control system
n: the assemblage of pumps,
accumulators, manifolds, control
panels, valves, lines etc., used to
operate the diverter system. (API
Recommended Practice 64).

diverter housing n: a
permanent installation under the
rotary table which houses the
diverter unit. (API Recommended
Practice 64).
diverter packer n: refer to
Annular Sealing Device .
diverter piping n: refer to Vent
Line.
diverter unit n: the device that
embodies the annular sealing
device and its actuating means.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
doghouse n: 1. a small
enclosure on the rig floor, used
as office for the Driller or as a
storehouse for small objects. 2.
any small building used as an
office, a change house, or a place
for storage.
dogleg n: 1. a short change
of direction in the well bore,
frequently resulting in the
formation of a key seat. See key
seat. 2. a sharp bend permanently
put in an object such as a pipe.
dome n: a geologic structure
resembling an inverted bowl, a
short anticline that plunges on all
sides.
down hole fluid motor n: also
called a turbo drill or Dyna Drill.
See turbo drill and Dyna Drill.
downtime n: time during which
rig operations are temporarily
suspended because of repairs or
maintenance.
Drake well n: the first US well
drilled in search of oil. Some
69 feet deep, it was drilled near
Titusville, PA., and completed in
1859.
Glossary of Oil field terms
drill v: to bore a hole in the
earth, usually to find and remove
subsurface formation fluids such
as oil and gas.
drill ahead v: to continue
drilling operations.
drill bit n: the cutting or boring
element used for drilling. See bit.
drill collar (DC) n: a heavy,
thick walled tube, usually steel,
used between the drill pipe and
the bit in the drill stem to provide
a pendulum effect to the drill stem
and weight to the bit.
drill collar sub n: a sub used
between the drill string and the
drill collars.
drill floor substructure n: the
foundation structure on which the
derrick, rotary table, draw works
and other drilling equipment are
supported. (API Recommended
Practice 64)
drill pipe/dynamic
positioning (DP) n: heavy
seamless tubing used to rotate
the bit and circulate the drilling
fluid. Joints of pipe approximately
30 feet (9m) long are coupled
together by means of tool joints.
drill pipe float n: a valve
installed in the drill stem that
allows fluid to be pumped down
the drill stem but prevents flow
back up the drill stem, a check
valve.
drill pipe pressure n: the
amount of pressure exerted
inside the drill pipe as a result
of circulating pressure, entry of
formation pressure into the well,
or both.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
drill pipe pressure gauge n:
an indicator, mounted in the fluid
circulating system, that measures
and indicates the amount of
pressure in the drill stem.
drill pipe safety valve n: a
special valve used to dose off the
drill pipe to prevent back flow
during a kick. It has threads to
match the drill pipe in use.
drill ship n: a self propelled,
ocean going, floating, ship shaped
vessel, equipped with drilling
equipment. (API Recommended
Practice 64)
drill stem test (DST) n: the
conventional method of formation
testing. The basic drill stem
test tool consists of a packer or
packers, valves or ports that may
be opened and dosed from the
surface, and two or more pressure
recording devices. The tool is
lowered on the drill string to the
zone to be tested. The packer or
packers are set to isolate the zone
from the drilling fluid column.
The valves or ports are then
opened, to allow for formation
flow while the recorders chart
flow pressures, and are then
dosed, to shut in the formation
while the recorders chart static
pressures. A sampling chamber
traps clean formation fluids at the
end of the test. Analysis of the
pressure charts is an important
part of formation testing.
drill string float n: a check
valve in the drill string that will
allow fluid to be pumped into the
well, but will prevent flow from
the well through the drill pipe.
(API Recommended Practice 53)
drill string pressure loss
(DSPL)

•
drill under pressure v: to
carry on drilling operations while
maintaining a seal (usually with a
rotating head) to prevent the well
fluids from blowing out. Drilling
under pressure is advantageous
in that the rate of penetration
is relatively fast, however, the
technique requires extreme
caution.
driller n: the employee directly in
charge of a drilling or workover
rig and crew. His main duty is
operation of the drilling and
hoisting equipment, but he is
also responsible for down hole
condition of the well, operation
of down hole tools, and pipe
measurements.
driller’s BOP control panel n:
also called drillers console.
driller’s method n: a well
killing method involving
two complete and separate
circulation’s, the first circulates
the kick out of the well and the
second circulates heavier fluid
through the well bore.
drilling break n: a sudden
increase in the rate of penetration
by the drill bit. It sometimes
indicates that the bit has
penetrated a high pressure zone
and thus warns of the possibility
of a blowout.
drilling contractor n: an
individual or group of individuals
that own a drilling rig and contract
their services for drilling wells.
drilling crew n: a Driller, a
Derrickman, and two or more
helpers who operate a drilling or
workover rig for one tour each
day.
Glossary of Oil field terms
drilling fluid n: circulating fluid,
one function of which is to force
cuttings out of the well bore and
to the surface. Other functions are
to cool the bit and to counteract
down hole formation pressure.
While a mixture of barite, clay,
water, and chemical additives is
the most common drilling fluid,
wells can also be drilled by using
air, gas, water, or oil base fluid as
the drilling fluid.
drilling fluid additive n: any
material added to drilling fluid to
change some of its characteristics
or properties.
drilling fluid balance n: a beam
balance consisting of a cup and a
graduated arm carrying a sliding
weight and resting on a fulcrum,
used to determine the density or
weight of drilling fluid.
drilling fluid cake n: the sheath
of fluid solids that forms on the
wall of the hole when liquid from
fluid filters into the formation;
also called wall cake or filter cake.
drilling fluid circulation n:
the process of pumping fluid
downward to the bit and back
up to the surface in a drilling
or workover operation. See
normal circulation and reverse
circulation.
drilling fluid conditioning
n: the treatment and control
of drilling fluid to ensure that
it has the correct properties.
Conditioning may include the
use of additives, the removal of
sand or other solids, the removal
of gas, the addition of water, and
other measures to prepare the fluid
for conditions encountered in a
specific well.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
drilling fluid density n: a
measure of the density of a
drilling fluid expressed as pounds
per gallon (ppg), pounds per
cubic foot (lb/ft3), or kilograms
per cubic metre (kg/m3). Fluid
weight is directly related to the
amount of pressure the column
of drilling fluid exerts at the
bottom of the hole. drilling fluid
density recorder n: an instrument
in the drilling fluid system which
continuously measures drilling
fluid density. (API Recommended
Practice 53).
drilling fluid engineer n: a
person whose duty is to test and
maintain the properties of the
drilling fluid that are specified by
the operator.
drilling fluid flow indicator n:
a device that continually measures
and may record the flow rate of
fluid returning from the annulus
and flowing out of the fluid return
line. If the fluid does not flow at a
fairly constant rate, a kick or lost
circulation may have occurred.
drilling fluid flow sensor n:
also called fluid flow indicator.
drilling fluid level recorder
n: a device that measures and
records the height (level) of the
drilling fluid in the fluid pits. The
level of the fluid in the pits should
remain fairly constant during
the drilling of a well. If the level
rises, however, then the possibility
of a kick or a blowout exists.
Conversely, if the level falls,
then loss of circulation may have
occurred. See Pit Level Recorder.
drilling fluid logging n: the
recording of information derived
from examination and analysis
of formation cuttings made by

the bit and of fluid circulated
out of the hole. A portion of the
fluid is diverted through a gas
detecting device. Cuttings brought
up by the fluid are examined
under ultraviolet light to detect
the presence of oil or gas. Fluid
logging is often carried out in a
portable laboratory set up at the
well.
drilling fluid motor n: See
Dyna Drill and turbodrill.
drilling fluid pit n: an open
pit dug in the ground to hold
drilling fluid or waste materials
discarded after the treatment of
drilling fluid. For some drilling
operations, fluid pits are used for
suction to the fluid pumps, settling
of fluid sediments, and storage of
reserve fluid. Steel tanks are much
more commonly used for these
purposes now, but they are still
sometimes referred to as pits.
drilling fluid pump n: a large,
high pressure reciprocating pump
used to circulate the fluid on
drilling rig. A typical fluid pump
is a two cylinder, double acting
or a three cylinder, single acting
piston pump whose pistons travel
in replaceable liners and are
driven by a crankshaft actuated by
an engine or a motor. Also called
a slush pump.
drilling fluid return line n:
refer to flow line.
drilling fluid tank n: one of a
series of open tanks, usually made
of steel plate, through which the
drilling fluid is cycled to allow
sand and fine sediments to be
removed. Additives are mixed
with the fluid in the tanks, and the
fluid is temporarily stored there
before being pumped back into
Glossary of Oil field terms
the well. Modem rotary drilling
rigs are generally provided with
three or more tanks, fitted with
built in piping, valves, and fluid
agitators. Also called fluid pits.
drilling spool n: a connection
component with ends either
flanged or hubbed. It must have an
internal diameter at least equal to
the bore of the Blowout Preventer
and can have smaller side outlets
for connecting auxiliary lines.
(API Recommended Practice 53).
drive pipe n: a relatively short
string of large diameter pipe
driven or forced into the ground to
function as conductor pipe. (API
Recommended Practice 53).
dry hole n: any well that
does not produce oil or gas in
commercial quantities. A dry
hole may flow water, gas or even
oil, but not enough to justify
production.
duplex pump n: a reciprocating
pump having two pistons or
plungers, used extensively as a
fluid pump on drilling rigs.
dyna Drill n: a down hole motor
driven by drilling fluid that
imparts rotary motion to a drilling
bit connected to the tool, thus
eliminating the need to turn the
entire drill stem to make hole. The
Dyna Drill, a trade name, is used
in straight and directional drilling.
dynamic well kill procedure
n: a planned operation to control
a flowing well by injecting fluid
of a sufficient density and at a
sufficient rate into the well bore
to effect a kill without completely
closing in the well with the
surface containment equipment.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
dynamically positioned
drilling vessels n pl: drillships
and semi submersible drilling
rigs equipped with computer
controlled thrusters which enable
them to maintain a constant
position relative to the sea floor
without the use of anchors and
mooring lines while conducting
floating drilling operations. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
effective permeability n: a
measure of the ability of a single
fluid to flow through a rock when
the pore spaces of the rock are not
completely filled or saturated with
the fluid.
effective porosity n: the
percentage of the bulk volume of
a rock sample that is composed
of interconnected pore spaces
which allow the passage of fluids
through the sample. See porosity.
electric line n: single or multiple
electrical conductor housed,
within a braided wireline. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
electric pump n: an electrically
driven hydraulic pump, usually
a 3 piston (triplex) pump. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
electro hydraulic (EH)
system n: a control system
that uses an electrical signal
to actuate a solenoid operated
hydraulic valve to hydraulically
pilot a control valve to operate
a function. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
end and outlet connections
n pl: integral flanges, studded or
open faced, and hub connections
used to join together equipment
that contains or controls pressure.
(API Specification 16A)

•
equipment n: any single
completed unit that can be used
for its intended purpose without
further processing or assembly.
(API Specification 16A)
equivalent circulating
density (ECD) n: the sum of
pressure exerted by hydrostatic
head of fluid, drilled solids and
friction pressure losses in the
annulus, divided by depth of
interest and by 0.052, if ECD is to
be expressed in pounds per gallon
(Lbs/gal). (API Recommended
Practice 59).
equivalent mud weight
(EMW)
equivalent static density
(ESW)
erosion n: the process by which
material (such as rock or soil)
is worn away or removed (as by
wind or water).
exploitation well n: a well
drilled to permit more effective
extraction of oil from a reservoir.
Sometimes called a development
well.
exploration well n: also called a
wildcat.
fahrenheit scale n: a
temperature scale devised by
Gabriel Fahrenheit, in which 32
degrees represents the freezing
point and 212 degrees the boiling
point of water at standard sea
level pressure. Fahrenheit degrees
may be converted to Celsius
degrees by using the following
formula:
C = 5/9 x (F 32)
fault n: a break in subsurface
strata. Often strata on one side of
Glossary of Oil field terms
the fault line have been displaced on a filter after pressure filtration
(upward, downward, or laterally) of fluid with a standard filter
relative to their original positions. press. Thickness of the cake is
reported in thirty seconds of an
fault plane n: a surface along inch or in millimetres. 2. the layer
which faulting has occurred. of concentrated solids from the
drilling fluid or cement slurry that
fault trap n: a surface forms on the walls of the borehole
hydrocarbon trap created by opposite permeable formations,
faulting, which causes an also called wall cake or fluid cake.
impermeable rock layer to be
moved opposite the reservoir bed. filter loss n: the amount of fluid
that can be delivered through
feed in (influx, inflow) n: a permeable filter medium
the flow of fluids from the after being subjected to a set
formation into the well bore (API differential pressure for a set
Recommended Practice 59). length of time.
fill the hole v: to pump drilling final circulating pressure
fluid into the well bore while (FCP) n: drill pipe pressure
the pipe is being withdrawn, in required to circulate at the
order to ensure that the well bore selected kill rate adjusted for
remains full or fluid even though increase in kill drilling fluid
the pipe is withdrawn. Filling the density over the original drilling
hole lessens the danger of blowout fluid density. Used from the time
or of caving of the wall of the kill drilling fluid reaches the
well bore. bottom of the drill string until kill
operations are completed, or a
fill up (flood valve) n: a change in either kill drilling fluid
differentially set valve, installed density or kill rate is effected.
on marine risers that automatically (API Recommended Practice 59).
permits sea water to enter
the riser to prevent collapse fish n: an object that is left in
under hydrostatic pressure the well bore during drilling or
after evacuation caused by lost workover operations and that must
circulation or by gas circulated be recovered before work can
into the riser. (API Recommended proceed. It can be anything from
Practice 64) a piece of scrap metal to a part
of the drill stem. v: 1. to recover
fill up line n: a line usually from a well any equipment left
connected into the bell nipple there during drilling operations,
above, the Blowout Preventers, such as a lost bit or drill collar
to allow adding drilling fluid or part of the drill string. 2. to
to the hole while pulling out of remove from an older well certain
the hole to compensate for the pieces of equipment (such as
metal volume displacement of packers, liners, or screen pipe) to
the drill string being pulled. (API allow reconditioning of the well.
Recommended Practice 53).
fixed choke n: a choke whose
filter cake n: 1. compacted solid opening is one size only, its
or semisolid material remaining opening is not adjustable.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

flammable liquid n: any
liquid having a flash point of
100˚ F (37.78˚ C) or less. These
liquids are easily ignited. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
lithologic unit. Each different
formation is given a name,
frequently as a result of the study
of the formation outcrop at the
surface and sometimes based on
fossils found in the formation.
formation breakdown n: an
event occurring when borehole
pressure is of a magnitude that the
exposed formation accepts whole
fluid from the borehole. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
formation competency
(formation integrity) n:
the ability of the formation to
withstand applied pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
formation competency test/
formation integrity test
(FIT) n: application of pressure
by superimposing a surface
pressure on a fluid column in
order to determine ability of a
subsurface zone to withstand a
certain hydrostatic pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
formation fluid n: fluid (such as
gas, oil, or water) that exists in a
subsurface rock formation.
formation fracture gradient n:
the hydrostatic value expressed in
psi./ft that is required to initiate a
fracture in subsurface formation.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
formation pressure n: the force
exerted by fluids in a formation,
recorded in the hole at the level of
the formation with the well shut in.
Also called reservoir pressure or
shut in bottom hole pressure.
Glossary of Oil field terms
•
formation water n: the water gas buster n. sl.: a slang term to
originally in place in a formation. denote a mud gas separator.
fracture gradient n: the gas constant n: a constant
pressure gradient (psi./ft) at which
number, mathematically the
the formation accepts whole fluid product of the total volume and
from the well bore. the total pressure divided by the
absolute temperature for 1 mole of
full open safety valve (FOSV) n: any ideal gas or mixture of ideal
gases at any temperature.
function n: operation of a BOP,
choke or kill valve or other gas cut fluid n: a drilling fluid
component, in one direction that has entrained formation gas
(example, closing the blind rams giving the fluid a characteristically
is a function, opening the blind fluffy texture. When entrained gas
rams is a separate function). (API is not released before the fluid
Recommended Practice 16E). returns to the well, the weight
or density of the fluid column is
function test v: closing and reduced. Because a large amount
opening (cycling) equipment of gas in fluid lowers its density,
to verify operability. (API gas cut fluid must be treated to
Recommended Practice 64) reduce the change of a blowout.
gallon n: a unit of measure of gas drilling n: See air drilling.
liquid capacity that equals 3.785
litres and has a volume of 231 in.3 gas reservoir n: a geological
A gallon of water weighs 8.34 formation containing a single
lb at 60˚F. The imperial gallon, gaseous phase. When produced,
used in Great Britain, is equal to the surface equipment may or
approximately 1.2 U.S. gallons. may not contain condensed liquid,
depending on the temperature,
gallons per minute (GPM) pressure, and composition of the
single reservoir phase.
gas n: a compressible fluid that
completely fills any container in gate valve n: a valve which
which it is confined. Technically, employs a sliding gate to open or
a gas will not condense when it is close the flow passage. The valve
compressed and cooled, because may or may not be full opening.
a gas can exist only above the (API Recommended Practice 53).
critical temperature for its particular
composition. Below the critical gauge pressure n: the amount
temperature, this form of matter is of pressure exerted on the interior
known as a vapour because liquid walls of a vessel by the fluid
can exist and condensation can contained in it (as indicated by a
occur. Sometimes the terms gas and pressure gauge), it is expressed
vapour are used interchangeably. in psig (pounds per square inch
However, the term vapour should gauge) or in kilopascals. Gauge
be only be used for those streams pressure plus atmospheric pressure
in which condensation can occur equals absolute pressure. See
and which originate from or are in absolute pressure.
equilibrium with, a liquid phase.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

•
gel n: a semisolid, jelly like
state assumed by some colloidal
dispersions at rest. When agitated,
the gel converts to a fluid state.
Also a nickname for bentonite. v:
to take the form of a gel, to set.
gel strength n: a measure of the
ability of a colloidal dispersion
to develop and retain a gel form,
based on its resistance to shear.
The gel strength, or shear strength
of a drilling fluid determines
its ability to hold solids in
suspension. Sometimes bentonite
and other colloidal clays are
added to drilling fluid to increase
its gel strength.
glycol n: a group of compounds
used to dehydrate gaseous or
liquid hydrocarbons or to inhibit
the formation of hydrates.
Commonly used glycol’s are
ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol,
and triethylene glycol.
go in the hole n: to lower the
drill stem into the well bore.
graben n: a block of the earth’s
crust that has slid downward
between two faults, the opposite
of a horst.
gunk plug n: a volume of a gunk
slurry placed in the well bore.
(API Recommended Practice 59).
gunk slurry n: a slang term to
denote a mixture of diesel oil and
bentonite. (API Recommended
practice 59). gunk squeeze n:
procedure whereby a gunk slurry
is pumped into a subsurface zone.
(API Recommended Practice 59).
hanger plug n: a device placed
or hung in the casing below the
Blowout Preventer stack to form a
pressure tight seal. Pressure is then
Glossary of Oil field terms
applied to the Blowout Preventer
stack in order to test it for leaks.
hard shut in v: to close in a well
by closing a Blowout Preventer
with the choke and/or choke line
valve closed. (API Recommended
Practice 59).
hazardous substance n: a
substance which by reason of
being explosive, flammable, toxic,
corrosive, oxidising, irritating
or otherwise harmful, has the
potential to cause injury, illness
or death. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
head n: 1. the height of a column
of liquid required to produce a
specific pressure. See hydraulic
head 2. for centrifugal pumps, the
velocity of flowing fluid converted
into pressure expressed in feet
or metres of flowing fluid. Also
called velocity head. 3. That part
of a machine (such as a pump or
an engine) that is on the end of the
cylinder opposite the crankshaft.
heat affected zone (HAZ)
n: that portion of the base metal
which has not been melted, but
whose mechanical properties or
microstructure has been altered
by the heat of welding or cutting.
(API Specification 16A)
heat (cast lot) n pl: material
originating from a final melt.
For remelted alloys, a heat shall
be defined as the raw material
originating from a single remelted
ingot. (API Specification 16A).
heat treatment (heat treating)
n: alternate steps of controlled
heating and cooling of materials
for the purpose of changing
physical or mechanical properties.
(API Specification 16A).
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
heat treatment load n: that
material placed on loading or
carrying devices moved as a batch
through one heat treatment cycle.
(API Specification 16A).
heave v: the vertical motion of a
ship or a floating offshore drilling
rig.
heave compensator n: a
device that moves with the heave
of a floating offshore drilling
rig to prevent the bit from being
lifted off the bottom of the hole
and then dropped back down (i.e.,
to maintain constant weight on
the bit). It is used with devices
such as bumper subs. See motion
compensator.
heavyweight drill pipe n: drill
pipe having thicker walls and
longer tool joints than usual and
also an integral wear pad in the
middle. Several joints of this pipe
may be placed in the drill stem
between drill collars and regular
drill pipe to reduce the chances of
drill pipe fatigue or failure. (Also
known as heavy wall arid pipe.)
height of influx (Hi)
high pressure high
temperature (HPHT)
high pressure squeeze
cementing n: the forcing of
cement slurry into a well at the
points to be sealed with a final
pressure equal to or greater
than the formation breakdown
pressure. See squeeze cementing.
hole n: 1. in drilling operations,
the well bore or borehole. See
well bore and borehole. 2. an
opening that is made purposely
or accidentally in any solid
substance.

hole opener n: a device used
to enlarge the size of an existing
borehole, having teeth arranged
on its outside circumference to cut
the formation as it rotates.
hook n: a large, hook shaped
device from which the swivel is
suspended. It is designed to carry
maximum loads ranging from 100
to 650 tons (90 to 590 tonnes) and
turns on bearings in its supporting
housing. A strong spring within
the assembly cushions the weight
of a stand (90 feet or about
27 metres) of drill pipe, thus
permitting the pipe to be made up
and broken out with less damage
to the tool joint threads. Smaller
hooks without the spring are used
for handling tubing and sucker
rods.
hopper n: a large funnel or cone
shaped device into which dry
components (such as powdered
clay or cement) can be poured
in order to uniformly mix the
components with water or other
liquids. The liquid is injected
through a nozzle at the bottom of
the hopper. The resulting mixture
of dry material and liquid may
be drilling fluid to be used as
the circulating fluid in a rotary
drilling operation, or it may
be cement slurry to be used in
bonding casing to the borehole.
horsepower n: a unit of measure
of work done by a machine. One
horsepower equals 33.000 foot
pounds per minute.
horst n: a block of the earth’s
crust that has been raised up
between two faults, the opposite
of a graben.
hose bundle n: see control hose
bundle
Glossary of Oil field terms
hot working v: deforming metal
plastically at such a temperature
and rate that hardness and
strength do not increase. (API
Specification 16A).
hull n: the framework of a vessel
including all decks, plating,
and columns, but excluding
machinery.
hydrafrac n: the copyrighted
name of a method of hydraulic
fracturing for increasing
productivity.
hydrate n: a hydrocarbon and
water compound that is formed
under reduced temperature
and pressure in gathering,
compression, and transmission
facilities for gas. Hydrates often
accumulate in troublesome
amounts and impede fluid flow.
They resemble snow or ice. v: to
enlarge by taking water on or in.
hydration n: reaction of cement
with water. The powdered cement
gradually sets to a solid as
hydration continues.
hydraulic connector n: a
mechanical connector that is
activated hydraulically and
connects the BOP stack to the
wellhead or the LMRP to the BOP
stack. See Lower Marine Riser
Package. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
hydraulic control pod n: a
device used on offshore drilling
rigs to provide a way to actuate
and control subsea Blowout
Preventers from the rig. Hydraulic
lines from the fig enter the pods,
through which fluid is sent toward
the preventer. Usually two pods,
painted different colours, are used,
each to safeguard and back up the
other.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
hydraulic controlled remote
operated value (HCR)
hydraulic fluid n: a liquid of
low viscosity (such as light oil)
that is used in systems actuated by
liquid (such as the brake system in
a modem passenger car).
hydraulic fracturing n: an
operation in which a specially
blended liquid is pumped down a
well and into a formation under
pressure high enough to cause
the formation to crack open. The
resulting cracks or fractures serve
as passages through which oil can
flow into the well bore.
hydraulic head n: the force
exerted by a column of liquid
expressed by the height of the
liquid above the point at which the
pressure is measured. Although
head refers to distance or height, it
is used to express pressure, since
the force of the liquid column is
directly proportional to its height.
Also called head or hydrostatic
head.
hydraulics n: the branch of
science that deals with practical
applications of water or other
liquid in motion.
hydril n: the registered trademark
of a prominent manufacturer of
oil field equipment, especially the
annular Blowout Preventer.
hydril drop-in sub (HDIS)
hydrocarbons n pi.: organic
compounds of hydrogen and
carbon, whose densities, boiling
points, and freezing points
increase as their molecular
weights increase. Although
composed of only two elements,
hydrocarbons exist in a variety

•
of compounds because of the
strong affinity of the carbon
atom for other atoms and for
itself. The smallest molecules
of hydrocarbons are gaseous,
the largest are solids. Petroleum
is a mixture of many different
hydrocarbons.
hydrochloric acid n: an acid
compound commonly used to
acidize carbonate rocks, prepared
by mixing hydrogen chloride gas
in water. Also known as muriatic
acid. Its chemical formula is HCI.
hydrocyclone n: a cone shaped
separator for separating various
sizes of particles and liquid by
centrifugal force. See desander
end desilter.
hydrodynamic brake n: a
device mounted on the end of the
draw works shaft of a drilling rig.
The hydrodynamic brake serves
as an auxiliary to the mechanical
brake when pipe is lowered into
the well. The braking effect of a
hydrodynamic brake is achieved
by means of an impeller turning
in a housing filled with water.
Sometimes called hydraulic brake
or Hydromatic (a manufacturer’s
term) brake.
hydrogen sulphide (H2S) n:
a flammable, colourless gaseous
compound of hydrogen and
sulphur (H2S) with the odour of
rotten eggs. Commonly found
in petroleum, it causes the foul
smell of petroleum fractions.
It is extremely corrosive and
poisonous, causing damage to
skin, eyes, breathing passages, and
lungs and attacking and paralysing
the nervous system, particularly
that part controlling the lungs and
heart. Also called hepatic gas or
sulphured hydrogen.
Glossary of Oil field terms
hydrogen sulphide service
n: refers to equipment designed
to resist corrosion and hydrogen
embattlement caused by exposure
to hydrogen sulphide. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
hydrophore n: an underwater
listening device that converts
acoustic energy to electric signals.
(API Recommended Practice 16E).
hydrostatic head n: the
true vertical length of fluid
column, normally in feet. (API
Recommended Practice 59)
hydrostatic pressure n: the
force exerted by a body of fluid
at rest, it increases directly with
the density and the depth of the
fluid and is expressed in psi or
kPa. The hydrostatic pressure of
fresh water is 0.433 psi per foot of
depth (9.792 kPa/m). In drilling,
the term refers to the pressure
exerted by the drilling fluid in the
well bore. In a water drive field,
the term refers to the pressure that
may furnish the primary energy
for production.
idle v: to operate an engine
without applying a load to it.
igneous rock n: a rock mass
formed by the solidification of
material poured (when molten) into colour change, and to corrosive
the earth’s crust or onto its surface. environments to decrease
Granite is an igneous rock.
impending blowout n: early
manifestation or indication of a
blowout.
impermeable adj.: preventing
the passage of fluid. A formation
may be porous yet impermeable if
there is an absence of connecting
passages between the voids within
it. See permeability.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
impression block n: a block
with lead or another relatively
soft material on its bottom. It is
made up on drill pipe or tubing at
the surface, run into a well, and
allowed to set on a tool or other
object that has been lost in the
well. When the block is retrieved
the size, shape, and position of
the fish are obtained from the
examination of the impression
left in the lead, and an appropriate
fishing tool may be selected.
indicated volume n: the change
in meter reading that occurs
during a receipt or delivery of a
liquid product.
inert gas n: the part of a
breathing medium that serves
as a transport for oxygen and is
not used by the body as a life
support agent. Its purpose is to
dilute the flow of oxygen to the
lungs, thereby preventing oxygen
toxicity.
inflow n: see feed in
influx n: see feed in
inhibitor n: an additive used
to retard undesirable chemical
action in a product, added in small
quantity to gasolines to prevent
oxidation and gum formation,
to lubricating oils to stop
corrosive action.
initial circulating pressure
(ICP) n: drill pipe pressure
required to circulate initially at
the selected kill rate while holding
casing pressure at the closed in
value, numerically equal to kill
rate circulating pressure, plus
closed in drill pipe pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 59).

injection n: the process of
forcing fluid into something. In
a diesel engine, the introduction
of high pressure fuel oil into the
cylinders.
inland barge rig n: a drilling
structure consisting of a barge
upon which the drilling equipment
is constructed. When moved from
one location to another, the barge
floats, but, when stationed on the
drill site, the barge is submerged
to rest on the bottom. Typically,
inland barge rigs are used to drill
wells in marshes, shallow inland
bays, and areas where the water
covering the drill site is not too
deep.
inner barrel n: the part of a
telescopic slip joint on a marine
riser which is attached to the
flexible joint beneath the diverter.
insert type packer n: a diverter
element which uses inserts
designed to close and seal on
specific ranges of pipe diameter.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
inside blowout preventer n:
a valve installed in the drill stem
to prevent a blowout through
the stem. Flow is thus possible
downward only, allowing fluid to
be pumped in but preventing any
flow back up the stem. Also called
an internal Blowout Preventer.
instrumentation n: a device
or assembly of devices designed
for one or more of the following
functions: to measure operating
variables (such as pressure,
temperature, rate of flow, speed
of rotation, etc.) to indicate
these phenomena with visible
or audible signals, to record
them, to control them within a
predetermined range, and to stop
Glossary of Oil field terms
operations if the control fails.
Simple instrumentation might
consist of an indicating pressure
gauge only. In a completely
automatic system, desired ranges
of pressure, temperature, and so
on are predetermined and preset.
integral valve n: a valve
embodied in the diverter unit
which operates integrally with
the annular sealing device. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
interlock n pl: an arrangement
of control system functions
designed to require the actuation
of one function as a prerequisite
to actuate another. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
intermediate casing string n:
the string of casing set in a well
after the surface casing is set to
keep the hole from caving and to
seal off troublesome formations.
The string is sometimes called
protection casing.
internal blowout preventer
n: also called inside Blowout
Preventer. See inside blowout
preventer.
internal upset n: an extra thick
inside wall on the end of tubing
or drill pipe at the point where
it is threaded to compensate for
the metal removed in threading.
Unlike conventional drill pipe,
which has the extra thickness on
the outside, drill pipe with internal
upset has the extra thickness
inside and a uniform, straight wall
outside.
internal upset pipe n: tubular
goods in which the pipe walls at
the threaded end are thickened
(upset) on the inside to provide
extra strength in the tool joints.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
Thus the outer wall of the pipe is
the same diameter throughout its
length. Upset casing is normally
run at the top of long strings in
deep operations.
International Association of
Drilling Contractors (IADC)
international system of
units (SI) n: a system of units
measurement based on the metric
system, adopted and described by
the Eleventh General Conference
of Weights and Measures. It
provides an international standard
of measurement to be followed
when certain customary units,
both API (Field Units) and metric,
are eventually phased out of
international trade operations.
The symbol Sl (Le Systeme
International d’Unites) designates
the system, which involves
seven base units. (1) metre for
length, (2) kilogram for mass
(3) second for time, (4) Kelvin
for temperature. (5) ampere for
electric current, (6) candela for
luminous intensity, and (7) mole
for amount of substance. From
these units others are derived
without introducing numerical
factors.
interval n: a designated portion
of a zone. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
intrusive rock n: an igneous
rock that, while molten,
penetrated into or between other
rocks and solidified.
invaded zone n: an area within
a permeable rock adjacent to a well
bore into which a filtrate (usually
water) from the drilling fluid has
passed, with consequent partial
or total displacement of the fluids
originally present in the zone.

•
iron roughneck n:
manufacturers term for a floor
mounted combination of a
spinning wrench and a torque
wrench. The iron roughneck
moves into position hydraulically
and eliminates the manual
handling involved with suspended
individual tools.
iron sponge process n: a
method for removing small
concentrations of hydrogen
sulphide from natural gas by
passing the gas over a bed of
wood shavings which have been
impregnated with a form of iron
oxide. The impregnated wood
shavings are called iron sponge.
The hydrogen sulphide reacts
with the iron oxide, forming iron
sulphide and water.
isogonic chart n: a map that
shows the isogonic lines joining
point of magnetic declination,
which is the variation between
magnetic north and true north.
For example, in Los Angeles,
California, when the compass
needle is pointing toward north,
true north actually lies 15˚ east of
magnetic north.
isogonic line n: an imaginary
line on a map that joins places on
the earth’s surface at which the
variation of a magnetic compass
needle from true north is the
same. This variation, which
may range from 0 to 30 or more
degrees either east or west of true
north, must be compensated for
to obtain an accurate reading of
direction.
jacket n: tubular piece of steel in
a tubing liner type of sucker rod
pump, inside of which is placed
an accurately bored and honed
liner. In this type of sucker rod
Glossary of Oil field terms
pump, the pump plunger moves
up and down within the liner, and
the liner is inside the jacket.
jack up drilling rig n: an
offshore drilling structure with
tubular or derrick legs that support
the deck and hull. When positioned
over the drilling site, the bottoms
of the legs rest on the sea floor. A
jack up rig is towed or propelled to
a location with its leg up. Once the
legs are firmly positioned on the
bottom, the deck and hull height
are adjusted and levelled.
jar n: a percussion tool operated
mechanically or hydraulically to
deliver a heavy hammer blow to
objects in the borehole. Jars are
used to free objects.
jar accelerator n: a hydraulic
tool used in conjunction with a
jar and made up on the fishing
string above the jar to increase the
power of the hammer blow.
jet n: 1. a hydraulic device
operated by pump pressure to
clean fluid pits and tanks in
rotary drilling and to mix fluid
components. 2. in a perforating
gun using shaped charges, a
highly penetrating, fast moving
stream of exploded particles that
cuts a hole in the casing, cement,
and formation.
jet bit n: a drilling bit having
replaceable nozzles through
which the drilling fluid is directed
in a high velocity stream to the
bottom of the hole to improve the
efficiency of the bit. See bit.
joint n: a single length (30 feet
or 9m) of drill pipe, drill collar,
casing, or tubing that has threaded
connections at both ends. Several
joints screwed together constitute
a stand of pipe.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
Joule n: the unit used to measure
heat, work and energy in the
metric system. Its symbol is J. It
is the amount of energy required
to move an object of 1 kilogram
mass to a height of 1 metre. Also
called a newton metre.
Joule Thomson effect n: the
change in gas temperature which
occurs when the gas is expanded
adiabatically from a higher
pressure to a lower pressure.
The effect for most gases, except
hydrogen and helium, is a cooling
of the gas.
junction box (J Box)
(electrical) n: an enclosure used
to house the termination points of
electrical cable and components.
May also contain electrical
components required for system
operation. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
junction box (J Box)
(hydraulic of pneumatic) n:
a bolt on plate having multiple
stab type terminal fittings used
for quick connection of the multi
hose bundle to a pod, hose reel
or manifold. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
junk n: metal debris lost in a
hole. Junk may be a lost bit,
pieces of a bit, milled pieces of
pipe, wrenches, or any relatively
small object that impedes drilling
and must be fished out of the hole.
v: to abandon (as a nonproductive
well).
junk basket n: a device made
up on the bottom of the drill
stem to catch pieces of junk from
the bottom of the hole. Fluid
circulation forces the junk into a
barrel in the tool, where it is held
by metal projections, or catchers.

When the basket is brought
back to the surface, the junk is
removed. Also called a junk sub.
Junk sub n: also called a junk
basket. See junk basket.
kelly n: the heavy steel member,
three , four , six , or eight sided,
suspended from the swivel through
the rotary table and connected
to the topmost joint of drill
pipe to turn the drill stem as the
rotary table sums. It has a bored
passageway that permits fluid to be
circulated into the drill stem and up
the annulus, or vice versa.
kelly bushing n: a special
device that, when fitted into the
master bushing, transmits torque
to the kelly and simultaneously
permits vertical movement of
the kelly to make hole. It may be
shaped to fit the rotary opening or
have pins for transmitting torque.
Also called the drive bushing.
kelly cock n: a valve installed
at one or both ends of the kelly.
When a high pressure back flow
begins inside the drill stem, the
valve is closed to keep pressure
off the swivel and rotary hose.
kelly hose n: also called the
fluid hose or rotary hose. See
rotary hose.
kelly saver sub n: a sub that fits
in the drill stem between the kelly
and the drill pipe. Threads on the
drill pipe mate with those of the
sub, minimising wear on the kelly.
kelly spinner n: a pneumatically
operated device mounted on top of
the kelly that, when actuated, causes
the kelly to turn or spin. It is useful
when the kelly or a joint of pipe
attached to it must be spun, that is,
rotated rapidly for being made up.
Glossary of Oil field terms
•
kelly valve, lower n: an kick tolerance (KT) n: The
essentially full opening valve maximum increase in mud weight
installed immediately below the allowed by the pressure integrity
kelly, with outside diameter equal test of the casing shoe with no
to the tool joint outside diameter. influx (zero gain) in the wellbore.
Valve can be closed to remove the
kelly under pressure, and can be kill v: 1. in drilling, to prevent
stripped in the hole for snubbing a threatened blowout by taking
operations. (API Recommended suitable preventive measures
Practice 53). (e.g., to shut in the well with the
Blowout Preventers, circulate
kelvin temperature scale n: a the kick out, and increase the
temperature scale with the degree weight of the drilling fluid). 2.
interval of the Celsius scale and in production to stop a well from
the zero point at absolute zero. producing oil and gas so that
On the Kelvin scale, water freezes reconditioning of the well can
at 273 K and boils at 373 K. See proceed. Production is stopped by
absolute temperature scale. circulating water and fluid into the
hole.
key n: 1. a hook shaped wrench
that fits the square shoulder of a kill drilling fluid density n:
sucker rod and is used when rods the unit weight, e.g., pounds
are pulled or run into a pumping per gallon (Ib/gal) selected for
oilwell. Usually used in pairs; one the fluid to be used to contain
key backs up and the other breaks a kicking formation. (API
out or makes up the rod. Also Recommended Practice 59)
called a rod wrench. 2. a slender
strip of metal that is used to fasten kill line n: a high pressure line
a wheel or a gear onto a shaft. The that connects the fluid pump and
key fits into slots in the shaft and the well and through which heavy
in the wheel of gear. drilling fluid can be pumped into
the well to control a threatened
key seat n: 1. a channel or blowout. This line allows fluids
groove cut in the side of the hole to be pumped into the well
of a well and parallel to the axis of or annulus with the Blowout
the hole. A key seat results from Preventer closed.
the dragging of pipe on a sharp
bend in the hole. 2. a groove cut kill rate n: a predetermined
parallel to the axis in a shaft or a fluid circulate rate, expressed
pulley bore. in fluid volume per unit time,
which is to be used to circulate
kick n: an entry of water, gas, oil, under kick conditions, kill
or other formation fluid into the rate is usually some selected
well bore during drilling. It occurs fraction of the circulating
because the pressure exerted by rate used while drilling. (API
the column of drilling fluid is not Recommended Practice 59). kill
great enough to overcome the rate circulating pressure n: pump
pressure exerted by the fluids in the pressure required to circulate
formation drilled. If prompt action kill rate volume under non kick
is not taken to control the kick or conditions. (API Recommended
kill the well, a blowout may occur. Practice 59).
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

•
kill sheet n: a printed form
that contains blank spaces for
recording information about
killing an impending blowout,
provided to remind personnel of
the necessary steps to kill a well.
kill weight fluid n: a fluid whose
density creates a hydrostatic
pressure equal to or greater than
the pressure of the formations
exposed to the well bore. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
kilograms per cubic meter
(kg/m3)
kilograms per litre (kg/l)
kinematic viscosity n: the
absolute viscosity of a fluid
divided by the density of the fluid
at the temperature of viscosity
measurement.
knife valve n: a valve using a
portal plate or blade to facilitate
open and close operation. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
knockout n: A knockout is a
type of separator which falls into
one of two categories: Free water
and total liquid knockouts. (API
Specification 12J)
a. The free water knockout is a
vessel used to separate free water
from a flow stream of gas, oil and
water. The gas and oil usually leave
the vessel through the same outlet
to be processed by other equipment.
The water is removed for disposal.
b.The total liquid knockout is
normally used to remove the
combined liquids from a gas stream.
laminar flow n: a smooth flow
of fluid in which no cross flow
of fluid particles occurs between
adjacent stream lines.
Glossary of Oil field terms
land rig n: any drilling rig that is
located on dry land.
landing nipple n: a receptacle
in a production string with an
internal profile to provide for
latching and sealing of various
types of plugs or valves. (API
Recommended Practice 157).
latch on v: to attach elevators to
a section of pipe to pull it out of
or run it into the hole.
lay down pipe v: to pull drill
pipe or tubing from the hole and
place it in a horizontal position on
a pipe rack.
leak off test (LOT) n: a gradual
pressurising of the casing after
the Blowout Preventers have been
installed to permit estimation of
the formation fracture pressure at
the casing seat.
lens type trap n: a hydrocarbon
reservoir consisting of a porous,
permeable, irregularly shaped
sedimentary deposit surrounded
by impervious rock.
lifting nipple n: a short piece
of pipe with a pronounced upset,
or shoulder, on the upper end,
screwed into drill pipe, drill
collars, or casing to provide a
positive grip for the elevators;
also called a lifting sub or a
hoisting plug.
lifting sup n: also called hoisting
plug or lifting nipple.
light crude oil n: a crude oil
of relatively high API gravity
(usually 40 degrees or higher).
lime n: a caustic solid that
consists primarily of calcium
oxide (CaO). Many forms of CaO
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
are called lime, including the
various chemical and Physical
forms of quicklime, hydrated
lime, and even calcium carbonate.
Limestone is sometimes called
lime.
lime fluid n: a drilling fluid that
is treated with lime to provide a
source of soluble calcium in the
filtrate in order to obtain desirable
fluid properties for drilling in
shale or clay formations.
limestone n: a sedimentary rock
rich in calcium carbonate that
sometimes serves as reservoir
rock for petroleum.
limit switch n: a hydraulic
pneumatic or electrical switch that
indicates the motion or position
of a device. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
liner hanger n: a slip device that
attaches the liner to the casing.
liquefied natural gas n: a
liquid composed chiefly of natural
gas (i.e., mostly methane). Natural
gas is liquefied to make it easy
to transport if a pipeline is not
feasible (as across a body of
water). Not as easily liquefied as
LPG, LNG must be put under low
temperature and high pressure or
under extremely low (cryogenic)
temperature and close to
atmospheric pressure to become
liquefied.
liquefied petroleum gas n:
a mixture of heavier, gaseous,
paraffinic hydrocarbons,
principally butane and propane.
These gases, easily liquefied
at moderate pressure, may
be transported as liquids but
converted to gases on release
of the pressure. Thus, liquefied

petroleum gas is a portable source
of thermal energy that finds wide
application in areas where it is
impractical to distribute natural
gas. It is also used as a fuel for
internal combustion engines and
has many industrial and domestic
uses. Principal sources are natural
and refinery gas, from which the
liquefied petroleum gases are
separated by fractionation.
liquid n: a state of matter in
which the shape of the given
mass depends on the containing
vessel, but the volume of the
mass is independent of the vessel;
a liquid is fluid that is almost
incompressible.
liquid level gauge n: any
device that indicates the level or
quantity of liquid in a container.
liquid level indicator n: a
device connected to a vessel,
coupled with either a float in the
vessel or directly with the fluid
therein and calibrated to give a
visual indication of the liquid
level.
lithology n: 1. the study of
rocks, usually macroscopic. 2.
the individual character of a rock
in terms of mineral composition,
structure, and so forth.
litre n: a unit of metric measure
of capacity equal to the volume
occupied by 1 kg of water at 4˚C
and at the standard atmospheric
pressure of 760 mm.
location n: the place where a
well is drilled; also called well
site.
locking mechanism n: a
support or restraint device. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
Glossary of Oil field terms
log n: a systematic recording
of data, such as a Driller’s log,
fluid log, electrical well log, or
radioactivity log. Many different
logs are run in wells to obtain
various characteristics of down
hole formations. v: to record data.
logging while drilling (LWD)
n: is a technique of conveying
well logging tools into the well
borehole downhole as part of the
bottom hole assembly (BHA).
longitude n: the arc or portion
of the earth’s equator intersected
between the meridian of a given
place and the prime meridian
(at Greenwich, England) and
expressed either in degrees or in
time.
loss of circulation n: See lost
circulation.
lost circulation n: the quantities
of whole fluid lost to a formation,
usually in cavernous, fissured,
or coarsely permeable beds,
evidenced by the complete or
partial failure of the fluid to
return to the surface as it is
being circulated in the hole.
Lost circulation can lead to a
blowout and, in general, reduce
the efficiency of the drilling
operation. Also called lost returns.
lost circulation material
(LCM) n: a substance added to
cement slurries or drilling fluid to
prevent the loss of cement or fluid
to the formation. See bridging
material.
lost circulation plug n: cement
set across a formation that is
taking excessively large amounts
of drilling fluid during drilling
operations.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
lost returns n: loss of drilling
fluids into the formation, resulting
in a decrease in pit volume. (API
Standard 53).
lower ball joint n: a device
located above a subsea Blowout
Preventer stack that permits
relative angular movements of
marine riser elements to reduce
bending stresses caused by vessel
offset, vessel surge and sway,
and environmental forces. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
lower kelly cock n: also called
drill stem safety valve.
lower marine riser package
(LMRP) n: the upper section
of a two section subsea BOP
stack, consisting of the hydraulic
connector, annular BOP, ball/
flex joint riser adapter, flexible
choke and kill lines, and subsea
pods. This interfaces with the
lower subsea BOP stack. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
lubrication v: alternately
pumping a relatively small
volume of fluid into a closed well
bore system and waiting for the
fluid to fall toward the bottom
of the well. (API Recommended
Practice 59).
Iubricator n: a specially
fabricated length of casing or
tubing usually placed temporarily
above a valve on top of the casing
head or tubing head; used to run
swabbing or perforating tools
into a producing well; provides
method for sealing off pressure
and thus should be rated for
highest anticipated pressure.
macaroni rig n: a workover
rig, usually lightweight, that is
specially built to run a string of
3/4 inch or 1 inch in diameter.

•
magnetic brake n: also called
an electro dynamic brake.
make a connection v: to attach
a joint of drill pipe onto the drill
stem suspended in the well bore to
permit deepening the well bore by
the length of the joint added (30
feet or 9 m).
make a trip v: to hoist the
drill stem out of the well bore
to perform one of a number of
operations such as changing bits,
taking a core, and so forth, and
then to return the drill stem to the
well bore.
make and break v: To connect
and disconnect. (API Specification
16A) marsh funnel n: a calibrated
funnel used in field tests to
make hole v: to deepen the hole determine the viscosity of drilling
made by the bit; to drill ahead. fluid.
manifold n: an assemblage of
pipe, valves and fittings by which
fluid from one or more sources
is selectively directed to various
systems or components. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
manipulator valve n: a three
position directional control valve
that has the pressure inlet port
blocked and the operator pods
vented in the centre position. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
manometer n: a U shaped piece
of glass tubing containing a liquid
(usually water or mercury) that is
used to measure the pressure of
gases or liquids. When pressure
is applied, the liquid level in one
arm rises while the level in the
other drops. A set of calibrated
markings beside one of the arms
permits a pressure reading to
be taken, usually in inches or
millimetres.
Glossary of Oil field terms
marine riser connector n: demonstrated, as a minimum, for
a fitting on top of the subsea material to satisfy the criteria of
Blowout Preventers to which the this standard. (API Specification
riser pipe is connected. 16A)
marine riser system n: the maximum allowable working
extension of the well bore from pressure n: the maximum
the subsea Blowout Preventer allowable working pressure
stack to the floating drilling vessel (MAWP) is the maximum
which provides for fluid returns pressure, permissible by the
to the drilling vessel, supports ASME Code, at the top of the
the choke, kill and control lines, separator in its normal operating
guides tools into the well and position for a designated
serves as a running string for the temperature. (API Specification
Blowout Preventer stack. (API 12J)
Recommended Practice 64).
maximum anticipated
marl n: a semisolid or surface pressure (MASP) n:
unconsolidated clay, silt, or sand. the highest pressure predicted
to be encountered at the surface
of the well. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
mean sea level (MSL) n: is a
measure of the average height of
mast n: a portable derrick that is the ocean’s surface (such as the
capable of being erected as a unit, halfway point between the mean
as distinguished from a standard high tide and mean low tide).
derrick that cannot be raised to
a working position as a unit. For measured depth (MD)
transporting by land, the mast
can be divided into two or more measuring tank n: a calibrated
sections to avoid excessive length tank that, by means of weirs, float
extending from truck beds on the switches, pressure switches, or
highway. similar devices, automatically
measures the volume of liquid run in
master bushing n: a device and then released. Measuring tanks
that fits into the rotary table. It are used in LACT systems. Also
accommodates the slips and drives called metering tanks or dump tanks.
the kelly bushing so that the
rotating motion of the rotary table measurement while drilling
can be transmitted to the kelly. (MWD) n: The evaluation of
Also called rotary bushing. physical properties, usually
including pressure, temperature
master valve n: normally the and wellbore trajectory in
lower most valve(s) in the vertical three-dimensional space, while
run of the Christmas tree. (API extending a wellbore.
Recommended Practice 57).
meridian n: a north south line
material performance bases from which longitudes and
n pl: capabilities which must be azimuths are reckoned.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

meta centre n: a point located
somewhere on a line drawn
vertically through the centre
of buoyancy of the hull of a
floating vessel with the hull in
one position (e.g., level) and then
another (e.g., inclined). When
the hull inclines slightly to a new
position, the centre of buoyancy
of the hull also moves to a new
position. If a second line is drawn
vertically through the new centre
of buoyancy, it intersects the first
line at a point called the meta
centre. Location of the meta
centre is important because it
affects the stability of floating
vessels (such as mobile offshore
drilling rigs).
metamorphic rock n: a rock
derived from preexisting rocks
by mineralogical, chemical, and
structural alterations caused by
processes within the earth’s crust.
Martbie is a metamorphic rock.
methane n: a light, gaseous,
flammable paraffin hydrocarbon,
that has a boiling point of 258˚F
and is the chief component of
natural gas and an important basic
hydrocarbon for petrochemical
manufacture.
metre n: the fundamental unit of
length in the metric system. Its
symbol is m. It is equal to about
3.28 feet, 39.37 inches, or 100
centimetres.
metric ton n: a measurement
equal to 1000 kg or 2,204.6
lb avoirdupois. In many oil
producing countries, production
is reported in metric tons. One
metric ton is equivalent to about
7.4 barrels (42 US gal = 1 bbl) of
crude oil with a specific gravity
of 0.84, or 36˚ API. In the Sl
system, it is called a tonne. mica
Glossary of Oil field terms
n: a silicate mineral characterised
by sheet cleavage. Biotite is
ferro magnesian black mica, and
muscovite is potassic white mica.
Sometimes mica is used as lost
circulation material in drilling.
micron n: one millionth of a
metre; a metric unit of measure of
length equal to 0.001 mm.
migration n: the movement of
oil from the area in which it was
formed to a reservoir rock where
it can accumulate.
millidarcy n: one thousandth of
a darcy.
Mine Safety and Health
Administration n: a US
government agency that
evaluates research in the causes
of occupational diseases and
accidents. Head quarters in
Arlington, Virginia, MSHA is
responsible for administration
of the certification of respiratory
safety equipment.
minimum internal yield
pressure n: the lowest pressure
at which permanent deformation
will occur. (API Recommended
Practice 53).
mixing system n: a system
that mixes a measured amount
of water soluble lubricant and
optional glycol to feed water and
delivers it to a storage tank or
reservoir. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
mixing tank n: any tank or
vessel used to mix components of
a substance (as in the mixing of
additives with drilling fluid).
mobile offshore drilling unit
(MODU) n: a drilling rig that is
used exclusively to drill offshore
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
wells and that floats upon the
surface of the water when being
moved from one location to
another. It may or may not float
once drilling begins. The drill
ship, semi submersible drilling
rig, and jack up drilling rig are all
mobile rigs; a platform rig is not.
mole n: the fundamental unit of
mass of a substance. Its symbol
is mol. A mole of any substance
is the number of grams or pounds
indicated by its molecular
weight. For example, water,
H20, has a molecular weight of
approximately 18. Therefore, a
gram mole of water is 18 grams
of water; a pound mole of water is
18 pounds of water.
monel steel n: a nickel base
alloy containing copper, iron,
manganese, silicon, and carbon.
Non magnetic drill collars are
often made of this material.
monkey board n: the
Derrickman’s working platform.
As pipe or tubing is run into or
out of the hole, the Derrickman
must handle the top end of the
pipe, which may be as high as 90
feet (27 m) in the derrick or mast.
The monkey board provides a
small platform to raise him to the
proper height for handling the top
of the pipe.
montmorillonite n: a clay
mineral often used as an additive
to drilling fluid. It is a hydrous
aluminium silicate capable of
reacting with such substances
as magnesium and calcium. See
bentonite.
moon pool n: a walled round
hole or well in the hull of a drill
ship (usually in the centre) though
which the drilling assembly and
 Glossary of Oil field terms
•

other assemblies pass while a well National Association of newtonian fluid n: a fluid
is being drilled, completed, or Corrosion Engineers n: in which the viscosity remains
abandoned from the drill ship. organisation whose function constant for all rates of shear if
is to establish standards and constant conditions of temperature
moored vessels n: offshore recommended practices for the and pressure are maintained.
floating drilling vessels which rely field of corrosion control. It is Most drilling fluids behave as
on anchors, chain, and mooring based in Houston, Texas. non Newtonian fluids, as their
lines extended to the ocean floor viscosity is not constant but varies
to keep the vessel at a constant natural gas n: a highly with the rate of shear.
location relative to the ocean floor. compressible, highly expandible
(API Recommended Practice 64) mixture of hydrocarbons having a newton metre n: also called a
low specific gravity and occurring joule. See joule.
motion compensator n: any naturally in gaseous form. Besides
device (such as a bumper sub or hydrocarbon gases, natural gas nipple up v: in drilling, to
heave compensator) that serves to may contain appreciable quantities assemble the Blowout Preventer
maintain constant weight on the of nitrogen, helium, carbon stack on the well head at the
bit in spite of vertical motion of a dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and surface.
floating offshore drilling rig. water vapour. Although gaseous
at normal temperatures and nominal size n: a designated
motor generator rig n: a pressures, the gases comprising size that may be different from the
drilling rig driven by electric the mixture that is natural gas are actual size.
motors with current supplied by variable in form and may be found
engine driven generators at the either as gases or as liquids under non magnetic drill collar n: a
rig. suitable conditions of temperature drill collar made of an alloy that
and pressure. does not affect the readings of a
mousehole n: an opening magnetic compass placed within
through the rig floor, usually lined natural gas liquids n: those it to obtain subsurface indications
with pipe, into which a length of hydrocarbons liquefied at the of the direction of a deviated well
drill pipe is placed temporarily for surface in field facilities or in gas bore. Used in directional drilling.
later connection to the drill string. processing plants. Natural gas
liquids include propane, butane, nonporous adj.: containing no
mud n: See Drilling Fluids and natural gasoline. interstices; having no pores.

mud gas separator (MGS) n: a
device that separates gas from the
fluid coming out of a well when
gas cutting has occurred or when
a kick is being circulated out.
mud hopper n: See hopper.
multiplex n: a system that uses
multiple electronic signals that
are coded and transmitted through
a conductor pair. This eliminates
the requirement of a dedicated
conductor pair for each required
signal. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
needle valve n: a form of
globe valve that contains a sharp
pointed, needle like plug that
is driven into and out of a cone
shaped seat to accurately control
a relatively small rate of flow of
a fluid. In a fuel injector, the fuel
pressure forces the needle valve
off its seat to allow injection to
take place.
newton n: the unit of force in the
metric system; its symbol is N. A
Newton is the force required to
accelerate an object of 1 kilogram
mass to a velocity of 1 metre per
second in 1 second.
non retrievable control pod
n: a pod that is fixed in place on
the LMRP and not retrievable.
(API Recommended Practice
16E).
non return valve (NRV)
normal circulation n: the
smooth, uninterrupted circulation
of drilling fluid down the drill
stem, out the bit up the annular
space between the pipe and the
hole, and back to the surface.
normal formation pressure
n: formation fluid pressure
equivalent to 0.465 psi per foot

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL


of depth from the surface. If the
formation pressure is 4,650 psi at
10,000 feet, it is considered normal.
nozzle n: 1. a passageway
through jet bits that allows the
drilling fluid to reach the bottom
of the hole and flush the cuttings
through the annulus. Nozzles
come in different sizes that can be
interchanged on the bit to allow
more or less flow. 2. the pad of the
fuel system of an engine that has
small holes in it to permit fuel to
enter the cylinder. Properly known
as a fuel injection nozzle. Also
called a spray valve. The needle
valve is directly above the nozzle.
offset well data n: information
obtained from wells that are
drilled in an area close to where
a well is being drilled or worked
over. Such information can be
very helpful in determining how
a particular well will behave or
react to certain treatments or
techniques applied to it.
offshore n: the geographic
area which lies seaward of the
coastline. In general, the term
coastline means the line of
ordinary low water along that
portion of the coast that is in
direct contact with the open sea or
the line marking the seaward limit
of inland waters.
offshore drilling n: drilling
for oil in an ocean, gulf, or sea,
usually on the continental shelf.
A drilling unit for offshore
operations may be a mobile
floating vessel with a ship or
barge hull, a semi submersible or
submersible base, a self propelled
or towed structure with jacking
legs tack up drilling rig), or a
permanent structure used as a
production platform when drilling
Glossary of Oil field terms
is completed. In general, wildcat
wells are drilled from mobile
floating vessels or from a jack up
vessel, while development wells
are drilled from platforms.
offshore installation
manager (OIM) n: is the most
senior manager of an offshore
platform.
offshore platform n:
permanently installed bottom
supported or connected offshore
structure, equipped with drilling
and/or production equipment for
drilling and/or development of
offshore oil and gas reservoirs.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
offshore rig n: any of various
types of drilling structures
designed for use in drilling wells
in oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, and
so forth. Offshore rigs include
platforms, jack up drilling rigs,
semi submersible drilling rigs,
submersible drill rigs, and drill
ships.
oil and gas separator
n: an item of production
equipment used to separate
liquid components of the well
stream from gaseous elements.
Separators are either vertical or
horizontal and either cylindrical
or spherical in shape. Separation
is accomplished principally by
gravity, the heavier liquids falling
to the bottom and the gas rising to
the top. A float valve or other liquid
level control regulates the level of
oil in the bottom of the separator.
oil drilling fluid n: a drilling
fluid in which oil is the continuous
phase. Oil base fluid and invert
emulsion fluid are types of oil
fluid’s. They are useful in drilling
certain formations that may be
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
difficult or costly to drill with
water base fluid.
oil base drilling fluid/oil
based mud (OBM) n: an oil that
contains from less that 2 percent
up to 5 percent water. The water is
spread out, or dispersed, in the oil
as small droplets.
oil emulsion drilling fluid n:
a water base fluid in which water
is the continuous phase and oil
is the dispersed phase. The oil is
spread out, or dispersed, in the
water in small droplets, which
are tightly emulsified so that
they do not settle out. Because
of its lubricating abilities, an
oil emulsion fluid increases the
drilling rate and ensures better
hole conditions than other fluids.
oil field n: the surface area
overlying an oil reservoir or
reservoirs. Commonly, the term
includes not only the surface area,
but also the reservoir, the wells,
and the production equipment.
oil sand n: 1. a sandstone that
yields oil. 2. (by extension) any
reservoir that yields oil, whether
or not it is sandstone.
oil shale n: a formation
containing hydrocarbons that
cannot be recovered by an
ordinary oilwell but can be
mined. After processing, the
hydrocarbons are extracted from
the shale. The cost of mining and
treatment of oil shale has until
recently been too great to compete
with the cost of oilwell drilling.
oil water contact n: the point
or plane at which the bottom of
an oil sand contacts the top of a
water sand in a reservoir; the oil
water interface.

•
oilwell pump n: any pump,
surface or subsurface, that is used
to lift fluids from the reservoir
to the surface. See sucker rod
pumping and hydraulic pumping.
on suction adj.: of a tank, open
to pump suction.
open circuit regulator n: also
called demand regulator.
open formation n: a petroleum
bearing rock with good porosity
and permeability.
open hole n: 1. any well bore
in which casing has not been set.
2. open or cased hole in which no
drill pipe or tubing is suspended.
3. the portion of the well bore that
has no casing.
opening ratio n: the ratio of
the well pressure to the pressure
required to open the Blowout
Preventer. (API Recommended
Practice 53)
operating company n: See
operator.
operating pressure n: the
operating pressure is the pressure in
the vessel during normal operation.
The operating pressure shall not
exceed the MAWP, and is usually
kept at a suitable level below the
setting of the pressure relieving
devices to prevent their frequent
opening. (API Specification 12J)
operator n: the person or
company, either proprietor or
lessee, actually operating an
oilwell or lease. Generally, the oil
company by whom the drilling
contractor is engaged.
organic rock n: rock materials
produced by plant or animal life
(coal, petroleum, limestone, etc.).
Glossary of Oil field terms
organic theory n: an
explanation of the origin of
petroleum, which holds that the
hydrogen and the carbon that
make up petroleum come from
plants and animals of land and
sea. Furthermore, the theory holds
that more of this organic material
comes from very tiny creatures of
swamp and sea than comes from
larger creatures of land.
out of gauge hole n: a hole
that is not gauge, that is, of a size
smaller or larger than the diameter
of the bit used to drill the hole.
outer barrel n: the part of a
telescopic slip joint on a marine
riser which is attached to tension
lines. Tension is transferred
through the outer barrel into the
riser. (API Recommended Practice
64)
outside diameter (OD)
overbalance n: the amount
by which pressure exerted by
the hydrostatic head of fluid in
the well bore exceeds formation
pressure. (API Recommended
practice 59).
overboard (diverter) line n:
refer to vent line.
overburden n: the pressure on
a formation due to the weight
of the each material above
that formation. For practical
purposes, this pressure can be
estimated at 1 psi/ft of depth. (API
Recommended Practice 53).
overburden pressure n:
the pressure exerted by the
overburden on the formation
targeted for drilling.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
over gauge hole n: a hole
whose diameter is larger than
the diameter of the bit used to
drill it. An overgauge hole can
occur when a bit is not properly
stabilised or does not have enough
weight put on it.
overshot n: a fishing tool that is
attached to tubing or drill pipe and
lowered over the outside wall of
pipe or sucker rods lost or stuck
in the well bore. A friction device
in the overshot, usually either a
basket or a spiral grapple, firmly
grips the pipe, allowing the lost
fish to be pulled from the hole.
packed hole assembly n:
a drill stem that consists of
stabilisers and special drill collars
and is used to maintain the proper
angle and course of the hole. This
assembly is often necessary in
crooked hole country.
packed pendulum assembly
n: a bottom hole assembly in
which pendulum length collars
are swung below a regular packed
hole assembly. The pendulum
portion of the assembly is used
to reduce hole angle; it is then
removed, and the packed hole
assembly is run above the bit.
packer n: a piece of down hole
equipment, consisting of a sealing
device, a holding or setting
device, and an inside passage for
fluids, used to block the flow of
fluids through the annular space
between the tubing and the wall
of the well bore by sealing off
the space between them. It is
usually made up in the tubing
string some distance above the
producing zone. A sealing element
expands to prevent fluid flow
except through the inside bore of
the packer and into the tubing.
 Glossary of Oil field terms

•
Packers are classified according to more stabilisers installed in the permeability n: 1. a measure
configuration, use, and method of drill collar string. The assembly of the ease with which fluids can
setting and whether or not they are works on the principle of the flow through a porous rock. 2.
retrievable (that is, whether they pendulum effect. the fluid conductivity of a porous
can be removed when necessary, medium. 3. the ability of a fluid
or whether they must be milled or pendulum effect n: the to flow within the interconnected
drilled out and thus destroyed) tendency of the drill stem bit, drill pore network of a porous medium.
collars, drill pipe, and kelly to See absolute permeability, and
packer test n: application of hang in a vertical position due to effective permeability.
hydraulic pressure either through the force of gravity.
the tubing or annulus to assure petroleum geology n: the
that the packer is properly set penetration rate n: See rate of study of oil and gas bearing rock
and sealed. (API Recommended penetration. formations. It deals with the
Practice 57). origin, occurrence, movement, and
percussion drilling n: 1. accumulation of hydrocarbon fuels.
packing element n: the annular cable tool drilling. 2. rotary
sealing device in an annular drilling in which a special tool pH value n: a unit of measure
Blowout Preventer or diverter. called a hammer drill is used in of the acid or alkaline condition
(API Recommended Practice 64) combination with a roller cone bit. of a substance. A neutral solution
(such as pure water) has a pH
packoff or stripper n: a perforate v: to pierce the casing of 7; add solutions are less than
device with an elastomer packing wall and cement to provide holes 7. The pH scale is a logarithmic
element that depends on pressure through which formation fluids scale; a substance with a pH of 9
below the packing to effect a seal may enter or to provide holes in is more than twice as alkaline as a
in the annulus. Used primarily the casing so that materials may substance with a pH of 8.
to run or pull pipe under low or be introduced into the annulus
moderate pressures. This device is between the casing and the wall piggyback v: (nautical) to install
not dependable for service under of the borehole. Perforating is anchors behind each other in
high differential pressures. (API accomplished by lowering into tandem on the same mooring line.
Recommended Practice 53). the well a perforating gun, or
perforator, that fires electrically pilot bit n: a bit placed on a
part n: an individual piece used in detonated bullets or shaped special device called a hole
the assembly of a singe equipment charges from the surface. opener that serves to guide the
unit. (API Specification 16A) device into an already existing
period of roll n: the time hole that is to be opened (made
partial pressure n: the pressure required for a floating offshore larger in diameter). The pilot
exerted by one specific component drilling rig to roll from one side to bit merely guides, or pilots, the
of a gaseous mixture. the other and back. cutters on the hole opener into
the existing hole so that the hole
pascal n: the accepted metric permanent guide base n: a opening cutters can enlarge the
unit of measurement for pressure structure attached to and installed hole to the desired size.
and stress and a component in with the foundation pile when a
the measurement of viscosity. well is drilled from an offshore pilot fluid n: hydraulic control
A Pascal is equal to a force of 1 drilling rig. It is seated in the fluid that is dedicated to the
Newton acting on an area of 1 temporary guide base and serves pilot supply system. (API
square metre. Its symbol is Pa. as a well head housing. Also, Recommended Practice 16E).
guidelines are attached to it so that
pendulum assembly n: a equipment (such as the Blowout pilot line n: a hydraulic line that
bottom hole assembly composed Preventer) may be guided into transmits pilot fluid to a control valve.
of a bit and several large diameter place on the well head. Pilot lines are nominally grouped in a
drill collars; it may have one or common bundle or umbilical.

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL


•
pilot response time n: for
subsea systems, the time it takes
when the hydraulic function valve
is activated on the surface for the
signal to travel through the pilot
line and activate a control valve
in the pod. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
pin drive master bushing n: a
master bushing that has four drive
holes corresponding to the four
pins on the bottom of the pin drive
kelly bushing.
pinion n: 1. a gear with a small
number of teeth designed to mesh
with a larger wheel or rack. 2. the
smaller of a pair or the smallest of
a train of gear wheels.
pipe n: a long hollow cylinder,
usually steel, through which fluids
are conducted. Oil field tubular
goods are casing (including
liners), drill pipe, tubing, or line
pipe. Casing, tubing, and drill
pipe are designated by external
diameter. Because lengths of pipe
are joined by external diameter
couplings threaded by standard
tools, an increase in the wall
thickness can be obtained only by
decreasing the internal diameter.
Thus, the external diameter is the
same for all weights of the same
size pipe. Weight is expressed in
pounds per foot or kilograms per
metre. Grading depends on the
yield strength of the steel.
pipe protector n: a protector
that prevents drill pipe from
rubbing against the hole or against
the casing.
pipe rack n: a horizontal support
for tubular goods.
pipe ram n: a sealing component
for a Blowout Preventer that
Glossary of Oil field terms
closes the annular space between
the pipe and the Blowout
Preventer or well head. Unless
special rams accommodating
various pipe sizes are used,
separate rams are necessary for
each size (outside diameter) pipe
in use.
pipe ram BOP n: a hydraulically
operated assembly typically
having two opposed ram
assemblies that move radially
inward to close on pipe in the well
bore and seal the annular space.
(API Recommended Practice 16E).
pipe ram preventer n: a
Blowout Preventer that uses pipe
rams as the closing elements.
pipe upset n: that part of the
pipe that has an abrupt increase of
dimension.
pipe wiper n: a flexible disk
shaped device, usually made of
rubber, with a hole in the centre
through which drill pipe or tubing
passes, used to wipe off fluid, or
other liquid from the pipe as the
pipe is pulled from the hole.
pit level n: height of drilling
fluid in the fluid pits.
pit level indicator n: one of a
series of devices that continuously
monitor the level of the drilling
fluid in the fluid tanks. The
indicator usually consists of float
devices in the fluid tanks that
sense the fluid level and transmit
data to a recording and alarm
device (a pit volume recorder)
mounted near the Driller’s
position on the rig floor. If the
fluid level drops too low or rises
too high, the alarm sounds to warn
the Driller that he may be either
losing circulation or taking a kick.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
pit level recorder n: See pit
level indicator.
pit volume recorder n: the
gauge at the Driller’s position that
records data from the pit level,
indicator.
pit Volume Totalizer n: trade
name for a type of pit level
indicator that combines all of the
individual pit volume indicators
and registers the total drilling fluid
volume in the various tanks. (API
Recommended Practice 53).
plastic viscosity (PV) n: an
absolute flow property indicating
the flow resistance of certain types
of fluids. Plastic viscosity is a
measure of shearing stress.
plug n: any object or device that
blocks a hole or passageway (as a
cement plug in a borehole).
plug and abandon v: to place
a cement plug into a dry hole and
abandon it.
plug valve n: a valve whose
mechanism consists of a plug
with a hole through it on the same
axis as the direction of fluid flow.
Turning the plug 90 degrees opens
or closes the valve. The valve may
or may not be full opening. (API
Recommended Practices 53).
pneumatic adj.: operated by air
pressure.
pneumatic control n: a control
valve that is actuated by air.
Several pneumatic controls are
used on drilling rigs to actuate
rig components (clutches, hoists,
engines, pumps, etc.).
pod n: see control pod

poise n: the viscosity of a liquid
in which a force of 1 dyne (a unit
of measurement of small amounts
of force) exerted tangentially on a
surface of 1 cm2 of either of two
parallel planes 1 cm apart will
move one plane at the rate of 1 cm
per second in reference to the other
plane, with the space between the
two planes filled with the liquid.
polymer n: a substance that
consists of large molecules formed
from smaller molecules in repeating
structural units. In petroleum
refining, heat and pressure are used
to polymerise light hydrocarbons
into larger molecules, such as those
that make up high octane gasoline.
In oil field operations, various types
of organic polymers are used to
thicken drilling fluid, fracturing
fluid, acid, and other liquids. In
petrochemical production, polymer
hydrocarbons are used as the basis
for plastics.
polymer units n: a drilling
fluid to which has been added a
polymer, a chemical that consists
of large molecules that were
formed from small molecules
in repeating structural units, to
increase the viscosity of the fluid.
poppet valve n: a device that
controls the rate of flow of fluid
in a line or opens or shuts off the
flow of fluid completely. When
open, the sealing surface of the
valve is moved away from a
seat; when closed, the sealing
surface contacts the seat to shut
off flow. Usually, the direction
of movement of the valve is
perpendicular to the seat. Poppet
valves are used extensively
as pneumatic (air) controls on
drilling rigs and as intake and
exhaust valves in most internal
combustion engines.
Glossary of Oil field terms
pop valve n. a spring loaded
safety valve that opens
automatically when pressure
exceeds the limits for which the
valve is set. It is used as a safety
device on pressurised vessels
and other equipment to prevent
damage fro excessive pressure.
It also is called a relief valve or a
safety valve.
pore n: an opening or space
within a rock or mass of rocks,
usually small and often filled with
some fluid (water, oil, gas or all
three).
pore pressure (formation
pressure) n: pressure exerted by
the fluids within the pore space of
a formation. (API Recommended
Practice 59).
porosity n: the condition of
something that contains pores
(such as a rock formation).
portland cement n: the cement
most widely used in oil wells. It is
made from raw materials such as
limestone, clay or shale, and iron ore.
positive displacement motor.
n: Usually called a Dyna Drill.
See Dyna Drill .
post weld heat treatment n:
any heat treatment subsequent to
welding, including stress relief.
(API Specification 16A)
possum belly n: 1. a receiving
tank situated at the end of the
fluid return line. The flow of fluid
comes into the bottom of the
device and travels over baffles to
control fluid flow over the shale
shaker. 2. a metal box under a
truck bed that holds pipeline
repair tools.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
potable water n: a water supply
that is acceptably pure for human
consumption. On an offshore
rig, it is usually produced by
water makers and uses a supply
water for mixing control fluid for
a subsea control system. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
pounds per barrel (PPB)
pounds per gallon (PPG)
pounds per square inch
gauge n: the pressure in a vessel
or container as registered on a
gauge attached to the container.
This pressure reading does
not include the pressure of the
atmosphere outside the container.
power fluid n: pressurised
hydraulic fluid dedicated to the
direct operation of functions (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
power tongs n: a wrench that is
used to make up or break out drill
pipe, tubing, or casing on which
the torque is provided by air or
fluid pressure. Conventional tongs
are operated by mechanical pull
provided by a jerk line connected
to a cat head.
precharge n: see accumulator
precharge.
pressure n: the force that fluid
(liquid or gas) exerts uniformly
in all directions within a vessel,
pipe, hole in the ground, and so
forth, such as that exerted against
the liner wall of a tank or that
exerted on the bottom of the well
bore by drilling fluid. Pressure
is expressed in terms of force
exerted per unit of area, as pounds
per square inch (psi) or grams or
kilograms per square centimetre.

•
pressure containing part(s)
or member(s) n pl: those parts
exposed to well bore fluids whose
failure to function as intended
would result in a release of well
bore fluid to the environment,
such as bodies, bonnets and stems.
(API Specification 16A) pressure
controlling part(s) or member(s) n
pl: those parts intended to control
or regulate the movement of well
bore fluids, e.g. packing elements,
rams, replaceable seats within a
pressure containing member or
part(s). (API Specification 16A)
pressure differential n: See
differential pressure.
pressure differentially set
valve n: a valve that is operated
when its actuator senses a change
in pressure of a pre set limit. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
pressure drop n: a loss of
pressure, resulting from friction,
sustained by a fluid passing
through a line, valve, fitting, or
other device.
pressure equalisation valve
(dump valve) n: a device used
to control bottom riser annulus
pressure by establishing direct
communication with the sea. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
pressure gauge n: an
instrument that measures fluid
pressure and usually registers the
difference between atmospheric
pressure and the pressure of the
fluid by indicating the effect of
such pressures on a measuring
element (a column of liquid, a
Bourdon tube, a weighted piston,
a diaphragm, or other pressure
sensitive device).
Glossary of Oil field terms
pressure gradient n: a scale
of pressure differences in which
there is a uniform variation of
pressure from point to point. For
example, the pressure gradient
of a column of water is about
0.433 psi/ft of vertical elevation.
The normal pressure gradient in
a formation is equivalent to the
pressure exerted at any given
depth by a column of 10 percent
salt water extending from that
depth to the surface (0.465 psi/ft
or 10.518 kPa/m).
pressure loss n: 1. a reduction
in the amount of force a fluid
exerts against a surface, usually
occurring because the fluid is
moving against the surface. 2. the
amount of pressure indicated by
a drill pipe pressure gauge when
drilling fluid is being circulated
by the fluid pump. Pressure losses
occur as the fluid is circulated.
pressure relief valve n: a valve
that opens at a preset pressure to
relieve excessive pressures within
a vessel or line. Also called a
relief valve, safety valve, or pop
valve.
pressure retaining part(s) or
member(s) n pl: those parts not
exposed to well bore fluids whose
failure to function as intended
would result in a release of well
bore fluid to the environment such
as closure bolts, clamps. (API
Specification 16A)
pressure test, blowout
preventer n: the process of
pressure testing internally a
Blowout Preventer or Blowout
Preventer assemble. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
pressure vessel quality n:
metallic material whose integrity
is such that it can be used to
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
safely contain pressure without
risk of leakage or rupture. (API
Specification 16A)
pressure while drilling (PWD)
n: utilize a combined annulus and
pipe pressure module to provide
the optimum in downhole pressure
measurements.
preventer n: shortened form See
blowout preventer.
preventive maintenance n:
a system of conducting regular
checks and testing of equipment
to permit replacement or repair of
weakened or faulty pads before
failure of the equipment results.
primary cementing n: the
cementing operation that takes
place immediately after the casing
has been run into the hole; used
to provide a protective sheath
around the casing, to segregate
the producing formation, and
to prevent the undesirable
migration of fluids. See
secondary cementing and squeeze
cementing.
primary well control n:
prevention of formation fluid
flow by maintaining a hydrostatic
pressure equal to or greater
than formation pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
prime mover n: an internal
combustion engine that is the
source of power for a drilling rig
in oilwell drilling.
production packer n: a device
installed in wells to effect a seal
between the tubing string(s) and
casing. (API Recommended
Practice 57)

producing zone n: the zone or
formation from which oil or gas is
produces.
propping agent n: a granular
substance (sand grains, aluminium
pellets, or other material) that
is carried in suspension by the
fracturing fluid and that serves
to keep the cracks open when
fracturing fluid is withdrawn after
a fracture treatment.
pseudo oil based mud
(PODM)
pull it green v: to pull a bit from
the hole for replacement before it
is greatly worn.
pull out of hole (POH) v: See
come out of the hole.
pumping unit n: the machine
that imparts reciprocating motion
to a string of sucker rods extending
to the positive displacement pump
at the bottom of a well; usually
a beam arrangement driven by a
crank attached to a speed reducer.
pump liner n: a cylindrical,
accurately machined, metallic
section that forms the working
barrel of some reciprocating
pumps. Liners are an inexpensive
means of replacing worn cylinder
surfaces, and in some pumps they
provide a method of conveniently
changing the displacement and
capacity of the pumps.
pump pressure n: fluid pressure
arising from the action of a pump.
pump through tubing plug
n: a plug set inside the tubing
string which will not permit back
flow, but will permit pumping
through from the top side. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
Glossary of Oil field terms
pup Joint n: a length of drill
pipe, tubing, or casing shorter that
30 feet.
qualified personnel n pl:
individuals with characteristics or
abilities gained through training,
experience, or both, as measured
against the manufacturers
established requirements. (API
Specification 16A)
quartz n: a hard mineral
composed of silicon dioxide; a
common component in igneous,
metamorphic, and sedimentary
rocks.
rabbit n: 1. a small plug that is
run through a flow line to clean
the line or to test for obstructions.
2. any plug left unintentionally in
a pipeline during construction (as,
a rabbit that ran into the pipe).
rack pipe v: 1. to place pipe
withdrawn from the hole on a
pipe rack. 2. to stand pipe on the
derrick floor when coming out of
the hole.
ram n: the closing and sealing
component on a Blowout Preventer.
One of three types blind, pipe, or
shear may be installed in several
preventers mounted in a stack on
top of the well bore. Blind rams,
when closed, form a seal on a hole
that has no drill pipe in it; pipe
rams, when closed, seal around the
pipe; shear rams cut through drill
pipe and then form a seal.
ram blowout preventer n: a
Blowout Preventer that uses rams
to seal off pressure on a hole that
is with our without pipe. Also
called a ram preventer.
ram preventer n: also called a
ram Blowout Preventer.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
rankine temperature scale
n: a temperature scale with the
degree interval of the Fahrenheit
scale and the zero point at
absolute zero. On the Rankine
scale, water freezes at 491.60˚
and boils at 671.69˚. See absolute
temperature scale.
rate of penetration (ROP) n: a
measure of the speed at which the
bit drills into formations, usually
expressed in feet (metres) per
hour or minutes per foot (metre).
rated working pressure n:
the maximum internal pressure
equipment is designed to contain
and/or control. Rated working
pressure is not to be confused with
test pressure. (API Specification 16A)
rat hole n: 1. a hole in the rig
floor, 30 35 feet (9 11 m) deep,
which is lined with casing that
projects above the floor and into
which the kelly and swivel are
placed when hoisting operations
are in progress. 2. a hole of a
diameter smaller than the main
hole and drilled in the bottom of
the main hole. v: to reduce the size
of the well bore and drill ahead.
rat hole connection n: the
addition of a length of drill pipe
or tubing to the active string. The
length to be added is placed in
the rat hole, made up to the kelly,
pulled out of the rat hole, and
made up into the string.
readback n: an indication
of a remote condition. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
ream v: to enlarge the well bore
by drilling it again with a special
bit. Often a rat hole is reamed or
opened to the same size as the
main well bore. See rat hole.

•
records n pl: retrievable
information. (API Specification
16A)
reel (hose of cable) n: a reel,
usually power driven, that stores,
pays out and takes up umbilicals,
either control hose bundles or
armoured electrical cables. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
reference point n: also called
gauge point.
regulator (pressure) n: a
hydraulic device that reduces
upstream supply pressure to a
desired (regulated) pressure.
It may be manual or remotely
operated and, once set, will
automatically maintain the
regulated output pressure unless
reset to a different pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
relative density n: the ration
of the mass of a given volume
of a substance to the mass of
a like volume of a standard
substance, such as water or air.
In conventional measurement
units, specific gravity is similar to
relative density.
relief valve n: a device that
is built into a hydraulic or
pneumatic system to relieve
(dump) any excess pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
relief well n: a well drilled near
and deflected into a well that is
out of control, making it possible
to bring the wild well under
control. See wild well.
remote BOP control panel n:
a device, placed on the rig floor,
that can be operated by the Driller
to direct air pressure to actuating
cylinders that turn the control
Glossary of Oil field terms
valves on the main BOP control
unit, located at a safe distance
from the rig.
remote choke panel n: a set
of controls, usually placed on
the rig floor, that is manipulated
to control the amount of drilling
fluid being circulated out
through the choke manifold. This
procedure is necessary when a
kick is being circulated out of a
well. See choke manifold.
remote controlled valve n: a
valve which is controlled from a
remote location
remote operated vehicle
(ROV) n: a tethered underwater
vehicle which are unoccupied,
highly maneuverable and operated
by a person aboard a vessel.
repeat formation tester (RFT)
n: is operated by an electrically
driven hydraulic system so that it
can be set and retracted as often
as necessary to pressure test all
zones of interest on one trip in
the well. Two separate fluid tests
can also be taken on one trip.
Formation pressures are recorded
at the surface in both digital and
analog form.
replacement n: the process
whereby a volume of fluid equal
to the volume of steel in tubulars
and tools withdrawn from the well
bore is resumed to the well bore.
(API Recommended Practice 59).
reservoir n: a subsurface,
porous, permeable rock body
in which oil and/or gas is
stored. Most reservoir rocks
are limestone’s, dolomites,
sandstone’s, or a combination
of these. The three basic types
of hydrocarbon reservoirs are
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
oil, gas, and condensate. An oil
reservoir generally contains three
fluids gas, oil, and water with
oil the dominant product. In the
typical oil reservoir, these fluids
occur in different phases because
of the variance in their gravity’s.
Gas, the lightest, occupies the
upper part of the reservoir rocks;
water, the lower part; and oil, the
intermediate section. In addition
to its occurrence as a cap or in
solution, gas may accumulate
independently of the oil; if so, the
reservoir is called a gas reservoir.
Associated with the gas, in most
instances, are salt water and some
oil. In a condensate reservoir,
the hydrocarbons may exist as
a gas, but, when brought to the
surface, some of the heavier ones
condense to a liquid.
reservoir drive mechanism
n: the process in which reservoir
fluids are caused to flow out of
the reservoir rock and into a well
bore by natural energy. Gas drives
depend on the fact that, as the
reservoir is produced, pressure
is reduced, allowing the gas to
expand and provide the driving
energy. Water drive reservoirs
depend on water pressure to
force the hydrocarbons out of the
reservoir and into the well bore.
reservoir pressure n: the
pressure in a reservoir.
reservoir rock n: a permeable
rock that contains oil or gas in
appreciable quantity.
response time n: the time
elapsed between activation of
a function at the control panel
and complete operation of the
function. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).

retarder n: a substance added to
cement to prolong the setting time
so that the cement can be pumped
into place. Retarder’s are used for
cementing in high temperature
formations.
retrievable control pod n:
a subsea pod that is retrievable
remotely on a wire line. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
returns n pi.: the fluid, cuttings,
and so forth that circulate up the
hole to the surface.
reverse circulation n: the
course of drilling fluid downward
through the annulus and upward
through the drill stem, in contrast
to normal circulation in which the
course is downward through the
drill stem and upward through
the annulus. Seldom used in
open hole, but frequently used
in workover operations. Also
referred to as “circulating the
short way”, since returns from
bottom can be obtained more
quickly than in normal circulation.
reverse circulation junk
basket n: a special device that
is lowered into the hole during
normal circulation to a position
over the junk to be retrieved. A
ball is then pumped down to cause
the drilling fluid to exit through
nozzles in the tool, producing
reverse circulation and creating a
vacuum inside the tool so that the
junk is sucked into it.
revolutions per minute
(RPM)
rheology n: the study of the flow
of gases and liquids, of special
importance to fluid engineers and
reservoir engineers.
Glossary of Oil field terms
rig n: the derrick or mast, draw
works, and attendant surface
equipment of a drilling or
workover unit.
rig floor n: the area immediately
around the rotary table and
extending to each corner
of the derrick or mast; the
area immediately above the
substructure on which the draw
works, rotary table, and so forth
rest. Also called derrick floor and
drill floor.
ring joint flange n: a special
type of flanged connection in
which a metal ring (resting in a
groove in the flange) serves as
a pressure seal between the two
flanges.
riser n: a pipe through which
liquid travels upward; a riser pipe.
See riser pipe.
riser angle indicator n: an
acoustic or electronic device used
to monitor the angle of the flex
joint on a floating offshore drilling
rig. Usually, a small angle should
be maintained on the flex joint to
minimise drill pipe fatigue and
wear and damage to the Blowout
Preventers and to maximise the
ease with which tools may be
run. Also called azimuth angle
indicator.
riser connector (LMRP
connector) n: a hydraulically
operated connector that joins the
Lower Marine Riser Package to
the top of the lower BOP stack.
(API Recommended Practice 16E).
riser pipe n: the pipe and special
fittings used on floating offshore
drilling rigs to establish a seal
between the top of the well bore,
which is on the ocean floor, and
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
the drilling equipment, located
above the surface of the water.
A riser pipe serves as a guide for
the drill stem from the drilling
vessel to the well head and as a
conductor of drilling fluid from
the well to the vessel. The riser
consists of several sections of pipe
and includes special devices to
compensate for any movement of
the drilling rig caused by waves. It
is also called a marine riser.
riser spider n: equipment used
to support the marine riser while
it is being run or retrieved. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
riser tensioned line n: a cable
that supports the marine riser
while compensating for vessel
movement.
rock n: an aggregate of different
minerals. Rocks are divided
into three groups on the basis of
their mode of origin: igneous,
metamorphic, and sedimentary.
rock bit n: also called roller cone
bit. See roller cone bit.
roller cone bit n: a drilling bit
made of two, three, or four cones,
or cutters, that are mounted on
extremely rugged bearings. Also
called rock bits. The surface of
each cone is made up of rows of
steel teeth or rows of tungsten
carbide inserts.
rotary n: the machine used to
impart rotational power to the drill
stem while permitting vertical
movement of the pipe for rotary
drilling. Modern rotary machines
have a special component, the
rotary bushing, to turn the kelly
bushing, which permits vertical
movement of the kelly while the
stem is fuming.

•
rotary bushing n: also called
master bushing. See master
bushing.
rotary drilling n: a drilling
method in which a hole is drilled
by a rotating bit to which a
downward force is applied. The
bit is fastened to and rotated by
the drill stem, which also provides
a passageway through which
the drilling fluid is circulated.
Additional joints of drill pipe are
added as drilling progresses.
rotary hose n: a reinforced
flexible tube on a rotary drilling
rig that conducts the drilling fluid
from the fluid pump and standpipe
to the swivel and kelly; also called
the fluid hose or the kelly hose.
rotary line n: also called drilling
line.
rotary pump n: a pump
that moves fluid by positive
displacement, using a system of
rotating vanes, gears, or lobes.
The vaned pump has vanes
extending radially from a rotating
element mounted in the casing.
The geared rotary pump uses
opposite rotating, meshing gears
or lobes.
rotary slips n pi.: also called
slips. See slips.
rotary support beams n: the
steel beams of a substructure
which support the rotary table.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
rotary table n: the principal
component of a rotary, or rotary
machine, used to turn the drill
stem and support the drilling
assembly. It has a bevelled
gear arrangement to create the
rotational motion and an opening
Glossary of Oil field terms
into which bushings are fitted
to drive and support the drilling
assembly.
rotating blowout preventer n:
also called rotating head.
rotating drilling head n: a
sealing device used to close off
the annular space around the kelly
in drilling with pressure at the
surface, usually installed above
the main Blowout Preventers. A
rotating head makes it possible
to drill ahead even when there
is pressure in the annulus that
the weight of the drilling fluid
is not overcoming; the head
prevents the well from blowing
out. It is used mainly in the
drilling of formations that have
low permeability. The rate
of penetration through such
formations is usually rapid.
rotating stripper head n: a
sealing device installed above the
Blowout Preventers and used to
close the annular space about the
drill pipe or kelly when pulling or
running pipe under pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
round trip n: the action of
pulling out and subsequently
running back into the hole a string
of drill pipe or tubing. Making a
round trip is also called tripping.
run in hole (RIH) n: to trip or
lower drill pipe into the wellbore.
sack n: a container for cement,
bentonite, ilmenite, barite, caustic,
and so forth. Sacks (bags) contain
the following amounts:
Cement 94 lb (1 cu ft)
Bentonite 100 lb
Ilmenite 100 lb
Barite 100 lm
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
safety clamp n: a device used
to suspend a rod string after the
pump has been spaced or when
the weight of the rod string
must be taken off the pumping
equipment.
safety Joint n: an accessory to
the fishing tool, placed above it.
If the tool cannot be disengaged
from the fish, the safety point
permits easy disengagement of
the string of pipe above the safety
joint. Thus, part of the safety
joint, as well as the tool attached
to the fish, remains in the hole and
becomes part of the fish.
safety valve n: 1. an automatic
valve that opens or closes when
an abnormal condition occurs
(e.g., a pressure relief valve
on a separator that opens if the
pressure exceeds the set point,
or the shutdown valve at the
well head that closes if the line
pressure becomes too high or too
low). 2. a valve installed at the
top of the drill stem to prevent
flow out of the drill pipe if a kick
occurs during tripping operations.
salt dome n: a dome that is
caused by an intrusion of rock
salt into overlying sediments.
A piercement salt dome is one
that has been pushed up so
that it penetrates the overlying
sediments, leaving them
truncated. The formations above
the salt plug are usually arched
so that they dip in all directions
away from the centre of the dome,
thus frequently forming traps for
petroleum accumulations.
salt water flow n: an influx
of formation salt water into the
well bore. (API Recommended
Practice 53).

sandstone n: a detrital
sedimentary rock composed
of individual grains of sand
(commonly quark) that are
cemented together by silica,
calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and
so forth. Sandstone is a common
rock in which petroleum and
water accumulate.
saturation n: a state of being
filled or permeated to capacity.
Sometimes used to mean the
degree or percentage of saturation
(as, the saturation of the pore
space in a formation or the
saturation of gas in a liquid, both
in reality meaning the extent of
saturation).
scrubber n: a scrubber is a
type of separator which has been
designed to handle flow streams
with unusually high gas to liquid
ratio. These are commonly used
in conjunction with dehydrators,
extraction plants, instruments or
compressors for protection from
entrained. (API Specification
12J) sea floor n: the bottom of the
ocean; the seabed.
secondary cementing n: any
cementing operation after the
primary cementing operation.
Secondary cementing includes a
plug back job, in which a plug of
cement is positioned at a specific
point in the well and allowed to
set. Wells are plugged to shut
off bottom water or to reduce
the depth of the well for other
reasons.
secondary control n: the
proper use of blowout prevention
equipment to control the well in
the event primary control is lost.
sediment n: 1. the matter
that settles to the bottom of a
Glossary of Oil field terms
liquid; also called tank bottoms,
basic sediment, and so forth.
2. in geology, buried layers of
sedimentary rocks.
sedimentary rock n: a rock
composed of materials that
were transported to their present
position by wind or water.
Sandstone, shale, and limestone
are sedimentary rocks.
selector valve n: a three
position directional control valve
that has the pressure inlet port
blocked and the operator ports
blocked in the centre position.
(API Recommended Practice
16E).
self elevating drilling unit n:
an offshore drilling rig, usually
with a large hull. It has a mat
or legs that are lowered to the
sea floor and a main deck that is
raised above the surface of the
water to a distance where it will
not be affected by the waves. Also
called a jack up drilling rig.
semi submersible drilling
rig n: a floating offshore drilling
structure that has hulls submerged
in the water not resting on the
sea floor. Living quarters, storage
space, and so forth are assembled
on the deck. Semi submersible
rigs are either self propelled
or towed to a drilling site and
either anchored or dynamically
positioned over the site or both.
They are more stable than drill
ships and are used extensively
to drill wells in deep and rough
waters.
separator n: a separator is a
cylindrical or spherical vessel
used in the field to remove
well stream liquid(s) from gas
components. The separator may
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
be either two phase or three
phase. Two phase separators
remove the total liquid from the
gas, while three phase separators
also remove free water from the
hydrocarbon liquid.
Corrosion consideration for
separators shall be for the pressure
containing parts of the vessel only,
and as can be identified as falling
within the requirements of the
applicable sections of the ASME
Code. Corrosion considerations
for vessel internals (non pressure
parts) is by mutual agreement
between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
Material selection for corrosive
fluids should be selected based
on a review of related API or
NACE publications for materials
that conform to ASME Code.
Consideration should be given
to material selection as it relates
to weight loss, sulphide stress
cracking, chloride stress cracking,
or other forms of corrosion. It
is the responsibility of the user
to determine what consideration
for corrosion should be made
to the vessel during its intended
life (Reference ASME Code as
applicable to corrosion). (API
Specification 12J)
serialisation n: assignment
of a unique code to individual
parts and/or pieces of equipment
to maintain records. (API
Specification 16A)
shale n: a fine grained
sedimentary rock composed of
consolidated silt and clay or
fluid. Shale is the most frequently
occurring sedimentary rock.
shale shaker n: a vibrating
screen used to remove cuttings
from the circulating fluid in rotary
drilling operations. The size of

•
the openings in the screen should
be carefully selected to be the
smallest size possible that will
allow 100 percent flow of the
fluid. Also called a shaker.
shear ram n: the components in
a Blowout Preventer that cut, or
shear, through drill pipe and form
a seal against well pressure. Shear
rams are used in mobile offshore
drilling operations to provide a
quick method of moving the rig
away from the hole when there is
no time to trip the drill stem out of
the hole.
shear ram (BOP) (blind/shear
rams) n: rams have cutting
blades that will shear tubulars
that may be in the well bore,
while the rams close and seal
against the pressure below. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
sheave n: a wheel or rollers with
a cross section designed to allow a
specific size of rope, cable, wireline
or hose bundle to be routed around
it at a fixed bend radius. Normally
used to change the direction
of, and support, the line. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).
shooting nipple assembly
n: a fabricated length of pipe
equipped with a wireline Blowout
Preventer and pack off installed
above the Blowout Preventer
stack to accommodate removal of
logging or perforating tools and
for protection against unexpected
pressure while performing through shutoff valve n: a valve that
casing wireline operations. (API
Recommended Practice 57)
shut in v: 1. to close the
valves on a well so that it stops
producing. 2. to close in a well in two or more supply pressure ports
which a kick has occurred. See
Hard Shut In, Soft Shut In
Glossary of Oil field terms
shut in adj.: shut off to prevent
flow. Said of a well, plant, pump,
and so forth, when valves are
dosed at both inlet and outlet.
shut in bottom hole pressure
(SIBHP) n: the pressure at the
bottom of a well when the surface
valves on the well are completely
closed. The pressure is caused by
fluids that exist in the formation at
the bottom of the well.
shut in casing pressure
(SICP) n: pressure of the annular
fluid on the casing when a well is
shut in.
shut in drill pipe pressure
(SIDPP) n: pressure of the
drilling fluid on the inside of the
drill stem; used to measure the
difference between hydrostatic
pressure and formation pressure
when a well is shut in after a kick
and the fluid pump is off.
shut in pressure n: the pressure
when the well is completely shut
in, as noted on a gauge installed
on the surface control valves.
When drilling is in progress,
shut in pressure should be zero,
because the pressure exerted by
the drilling fluid should be equal
to or greater than the pressure
exerted by the formations through
which the well bore passes. On a
flowing, producing well, however,
shut in pressure should be above
zero.
closes a hydraulic or pneumatic
supply line. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
shuttle valve n: a valve with
and only one outlet port. When
fluid is flowing through one of the
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
supply ports the internal shuttle
seals off the other inlet port and
allows flow to the outlet port only.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
side track v: to drill around
broken drill pipe or casing that has
become lodged permanently in the
hole, using whipstock, turbo drill,
or other fluid motor.
silicon controlled rectifier n:
a device that changes alternating
current to direct current by
means of a silicon control gate.
Commonly called SCR or
Thyristor.
single n: a joint of drill pipe.
single shot survey n: a
directional survey that provides a
single record of the drift direction
and off vertical orientation of the
hole.
skid the rig v: to move a rig
with a standard derrick from the
location of a lost or completed
hole preparatory to starting a
new hole. Skidding the rig allows
the move to be accomplished
with little or no dismantling of
equipment.
slick line n: a smooth, single
strand, high strength, steel wire
used in wireline operations. (API
Recommended Practice 57)
slim hole drilling n: drilling
in which the size of the hole is
smaller than the conventional hole
diameter for a given depth. This
decrease in hole size enables the
operator to run smaller casing,
thereby lessening the cost of
completion.
slip ram preventer n: a ram
Blowout Preventer with pipe slips

which, when engaged, prevents
movement of the pipe but does not
control flow. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
slips n pi.: wedge shaped pieces
of metal with teeth or other
gripping elements that are used
to prevent pipe from slipping
down into the hole or to hold
pipe in place. Rotary slips fit
around the drill pipe and wedge
against the master bushing to
support the pipe. Power slips are
pneumatically or hydraulically
actuated devices that allow the
crew to dispense with the manual
handling of slips when making
a connection. Packers and other
downhole equipment are secured
in position by slips that engage
the pipe by action directed at the
surface.
sloughing n: (pronounced
“sluffing”). Also called caving.
See caving.
Slow Circulating Rate (SCR)
n: a predetermined pump rate
which can be used to kill a well
which has experienced a kick.
slug the pipe v: to pump a
quantity of heavy fluid into the
drill pipe. Before hoisting drill
pipe, it is desirable (if possible)
to pump into its top section a
quantity of heavy fluid, or a slug,
that causes the level of the fluid to
remain below the rig floor so that
the crew members and the rig floor
are not contaminated with the fluid
when stands are broken out.
slurry n: a plastic mixture of
cement and water that is pumped
into a well to harden, where it
supports the casing and provides
a seal in the well bore to prevent
migration of underground fluids.
Glossary of Oil field terms
snubbing v: pulling or running
tubulars under pressure through
a resilient sealing element where
special equipment is used to apply
external force to push the pipe
into the well or to control pipe
movement out of the well. (API
Recommended Practice 57)
soft shut in v: to close in a well
by closing a Blowout Preventer
with the choke and choke line
valve open, then closing the choke
while monitoring the casing
pressure gauge for maximum
allowable casing pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 59)
solenoid valve n: an electrically
operated valve that controls
a hydraulic or pneumatic
pilot signal or function. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
Solution n: a single,
homogeneous liquid, solid or gas
phase that is a mixture in which
the components (liquid, gas, solid,
or combinations thereof) are
uniformly distributed throughout
the mixture. In a solution, the
dissolved substance is called the
solute, the substance in which the
solute is dissolved is called the
solvent.
stored hydraulic fluid
volume n: the fluid volume
recoverable from the accumulator
system between the maximum
designed accumulator operating
pressure and the precharge
pressure. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
sour adj.: containing or caused
by hydrogen sulphide or another
acid gas (e.g., sour crude, sour
gas, sour corrosion).
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
sour crude oil n: oil containing
hydrogen sulphide or another acid gas.
sour gas n: natural gas
containing hydrogen sulphide
space out v: procedure
conducted to position a
predetermined length of drill pipe
above the rotary table so that a
tool joint is located above the
subsea preventer rams on which
drill pipe is to be suspended (hung
off) and so that no tool joint is
opposite a set of preventer rams
after drill pipe is hung off. (API
Recommended Practice 59).
space out joint n: the joint of
drill pipe which is used in hang
off operations so that no tool
joint is opposite a set of preventer
rams. (API Recommended
practice 59)
special processes n pl:
operations which convert or
affect material properties. (API
Specification 16A)
specific gravity (SG) n: the
ratio of the weight of a given
volume of a substance at a given
temperature to the weight of
an equal volume of a standard
substance at the same temperature.
For example, if 1 cubic inch of
water at 39˚F weighs 1 unit and
1 cubic inch of another solid or
liquid at 39˚ weights 0.95 unit,
then the specific gravity of the
substance is 0.95. In determining
the specific gravity of gases, the
comparison is made with the
standard of air or hydrogen.
spent fluid n: hydraulic control
fluid that is vented from a function
control port when the opposite
function is operated. (API
Recommended Practice 16E).

•
splash zone n: the area on an
offshore structure that is regularly
wetted by seawater but is not
continuously submerged. Metal
in the splash zone must be well
protected from the corrosive
action of seawater and air.
spool n: a pressure containing
piece of equipment having API
end connections, used below or
between equipment functioning
to space apart, adapt or provide
outlets in a equipment assembly.
When outlet connections are
provided, they shall be API
connections. (API Specification
16A)
spud v: to move the drill stem up
and down in the hole over a short
distance without rotation. Careless
execution of this operation creates
pressure surges that can cause
a formation to break down and
results in lost circulation. See
spud in.
spud in: v: to begin drilling, to
start the hole.
square drill collar n: a special
drill collar, square but with
rounded edges, used to control
the straightness or direction of the
hole, often part of a packed hole
assembly.
square drive master bushing
n: a master bushing that has a
square opening or recess to accept
and drive the square that is on the
bottom of the squaredrive kelly
bushing.
squeeze n: 1. a cementing
operation in which cement is
pumped behind the casing under
high pressure to re cement
channelled areas or to block
off an uncemented zone. 2. the
Glossary of Oil field terms
increasing of external pressure
upon a diver’s body by improper
diving technique.
squeeze cementing n: the
forcing of cement slurry by
pressure to specified points in a
well to cause seals at the points
of squeeze. It is a secondary
cementing method that is used to
isolate a producing formation, seal
off water, repair casing leaks, and
so forth.
squench joint n: a special
thread less tool joint for large
diameter pipe, especially
conductor pipe, sometimes used
on offshore drilling rigs. When
the box is brought down over
the pin and weight is applied, a
locking device is actuated to seal
the joints. Because no rotation is
required to make up these joints,
their use can save time when the
conductor pipe is being run.
stab v: to guide the end of a pipe
into a coupling or tool joint when
making up a connection.
stabbing board n: a temporary
platform erected in the derrick
or mast, some 20 to 40 feet (6
12m) above the derrick floor.
The Derrickman or another crew
member works on the board
while casing is being run in a
well. The board may be wooden
or fabricated of steel girders
floored with anti skid material and
powered electrically to be raised
or lowered to the desired level. A
stabbing board serves the same
purpose as a monkey board but is
temporary instead of permanent.
stabiliser n: 1. a tool placed near
the bit, and often just above it, in
the drilling assembly and used to
change the deviation angle in a
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
well by controlling the location
of the contact point between
the hole and the drill collars.
Conversely, stabilisers are used to
maintain correct hole angle. See
packed hole assembly. 2. a vessel
in which hydrocarbon vapours
are separated from liquids. 3. a
fractionation system that reduces
the vapour pressure so that the
resulting liquid is less volatile.
stack n: 1. a vertical pile of
blowout prevention equipment.
Also called preventer stack. See
Blowout Preventer. 2. the vertical
chimney like installation that is
the waste disposal system for
unwanted vapour such as flue
gases or tail gas streams.
stack a rig v: to store a drilling
rig upon completion of a job when
the rig is to be withdrawn from
operation for a time.
stand n: the connected joints of
pipe racked in the derrick or mast
during a trip. The usual stand is 90
feet long (about 27 m), which is
three lengths of drill pipe screwed
together (a treble).
standard cubic foot n: a gas
volume unit of measurement
at a specified temperature and
pressure. The temperature and
pressure may be defined in the gas
sales contract or by reference to
other standards. Its abbreviation
is scf.
standard pressure n: the
pressure exerted by a column of
mercury 760 mm high; equivalent
to 14.7 psia.
standard temperature n:
a predetermined temperature
used as a basic measurement.
The petroleum industry uses

60˚F (15.5˚C) as its standard
temperature during measurement
of oil. The volume of a quantity
of oil at its actual temperature
(assuming it is not 60˚F) is
converted to the volume the oil
would occupy at 60˚F. Conversion
is aided by the use of API
conversion tables.
standard well kill procedure
n: any of industry’s proven
techniques to control a flowing
well wherein well control is
obtained through pumping drilling
fluid of increased density at a
predetermined pumping rate with
Blowout Preventer(s) closed and
simultaneously controlling casing
and drill pipe surface pressures
by varying choke manifold choke
settings until the well is stable and
static with zero surface pressure.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
standpipe n: a vertical pipe rising
along the side of the derrick or
mast, which joins the discharge line
leading from the fluid pump to the
rotary hose and through which fluid
is pumped going into the hole.
starboard n: (nautical) the right
side of a vessel (determined by
looking toward the bow).
steel tooth bit n: a roller cone
bit in which the surface of each
cone is made up of rows of steel
teeth. Also called a milled tooth
bit or milled bit.
still drilling assembly n: also
called packed hole assembly. See
packed hole assembly.
straight hole n: a hole that is
drilled vertically. The total hole
angle is restricted, and the hole
does not change direction rapidly
no more than 3˚ per 100 feet
(30.48 m) of hole.
Glossary of Oil field terms
straight through function n:
a subsea function that is directly
operated by a pilot signal without
interface with a pod mounted pilot
operated control valve. Straight
through functions typically
require a low fluid volume to
operate and the response time is
not critical. (API Recommended
Practice 16E).
stress relief n: controlled
heating of material to a
predetermined temperature for the
purpose of reducing any residual
stresses after welding. (API
Specification 16A)
strip a well v: to pull rods and
tubing from a well at the same
time for example, when the pump
is stuck. Tubing must be stripped
over the rods a joint at a time, and
the exposed sucker rod is then
backed off and removed.
stripper head n: a blowout
prevention device consisting of a
gland and packing arrangement
bolted to the well head. It is often
used to seal the annular space
between tubing and casing.
stripping in v: 1. the process of
lowering the drill stem into the
well bore when the well is shut in
on a kick. 2. the process of putting
tubing into a well under pressure.
strip pipe v: 1. to remove the
drill stem from the hole while the
Blowout Preventers are closed. 2.
to pull the drill stem and the wash
over pipe out of the hole at the
same time.
structural casing n: the outer
string of large diameter, heavy
wall pipe installed in wells drilled
from floating installation to resist
the bending movements imposed
by the marine riser, and to help
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
support the well head installed on
the conductor casing.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
stuck pipe n: drill pipe, drill
collars, casing, or tubing having
inadvertently become immovable
in the hole. Sticking may occur
when drilling is in progress, when
casing is being run in the hole,
or when the drill pipe is being
hoisted.
stuck point n: the depth in
the hole at which the drill stem,
tubing, or casing is stuck.
studded connections n:
connections in which thread
anchored studs are screwed into
tapped holes. (API Specification
16A)
stuffing box n: a packing gland
screwed in the top of the well
head through which the polished
rod operates on a pumping well.
It prevents the escape of oil,
diverting it into a side outlet
to which is connected the flow
line, leading to the oil and gas
separator or the field storage tank.
subsea blowout preventer
n: a Blowout Preventer placed on
the sea floor for use by a floating
offshore drilling rig.
subsea test tree n: a device
designed to be landed in a subsea
well head or Blowout Preventer
stack to provide a means of dosing
in the well on the ocean floor so
that a drill stem test of an offshore
well can be obtained.
subsurface safety valve n: a
device installed in the production
tubing in a well below the well
head and designed to prevent
uncontrolled well flow when

•
actuated. These devices can be
installed and retrieved by wireline
(wireline retrievable) and pump
down methods, or be an integral
part of the tubing string (tubing
retrievable). (API Recommended
Practices 57)
suction pit n: also called a
suction tank, sump pit, or fluid
suction pit.
suction tank n: the fluid tank
from which fluid is picked up by
the suction of the fluid pumps.
sulphate reducing bacteria
n: bacteria that digest sulphate
present in water, causing the
release of hydrogen sulphide,
which combines with iron to form
iron sulphide, a troublesome scale.
supercharge v: to supply a
charge of air to the intake of an
internal combustion engine at a
pressure higher than that of the
surrounding atmosphere.
surface casing n: also called
surface pipe.
surface motion compensator
n: a heave compensator.
surface pressure n: pressure
measured at the well head.
surface safety valve n: a
Christmas tree valve and actuator
assembly designed to prevent
uncontrolled well flow when
actuated. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
surge n: 1. an accumulation of
liquid above a normal or average
level, or a sudden increase in its
flow rate above a normal flow
rate. 2. the motion of a mobile
offshore drilling rig in a direction
Glossary of Oil field terms
in line with the centre line of
the rig, especially the front to
back motion of the rig when it is
moored in a sea way.
surge effect n: a rapid increase
in pressure down hole that occurs
when the drill stem is lowered
rapidly or when the fluid pump is
quickly brought up to speed after
starting.
surging n: a rapid increase in
pressure down hole that occurs
when the drill stem is lowered
too fast or when the fluid pump is
brought up to speed after starting.
swab n: a hollow, rubber faced
cylinder mounted on a hollow
mandrel with a pin joint on the
upper end to connect to the swab
line. A check valve that opens
upward on the lower end provides
a way to remove the fluid from the
well when pressure is insufficient
to support flow. v: to operate
a swab on a wireline to bring
well fluids to the surface when
the well does not flow naturally.
Swabbing is temporary operation
to determine whether or not the
well can be made to flow. If the
well does not flow after being
swabbed, a pump is installed as a
permanent lifting device to bring
the oil to the surface.
swab valve n: the uppermost
valve in vertical line on the
Christmas tree, always above
the flow wing valve. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
swabbed show n: formation
fluid that is pulled into the well
bore because of an underbalance
of formation pressure caused by
pulling the drill string too fast.
swabbing effect n: a
phenomenon characterised by
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
formation fluids being pulled or
swabbed into the well bore when
the drill stem and bit are pulled
up the well bore fast enough to
reduce the hydrostatic pressure of
the fluid below the bit. If enough
formation fluid is swabbed into
the hole, a kick can result.
sweet crude oil n: oil
containing little or no sulphur,
especially little or no hydrogen
sulphide.
sweet gas n: gas that has no
more than the maximum sulphur
content defined by (1) the
specifications for the sales gas
from a plant or (2) the definition
by a legal body such as the
Railroad Commission of Texas.
switchable three way target
valve n: a device having an
erosion resistant target with
changeable position to enable
selection of flow direction
of diverted well fluids. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
swivel n: a rotary tool that is
hung from the rotary hook and
travelling block to suspend
and permit free rotation of the
drill stem. It also provides a
connection for the rotary hose
and a passageway for the flow of
drilling fluid into the drill stem.
swivel packing n: special
rubberised compounds placed
in a swivel to prevent drilling
fluid from leaking out under high
pressure.
tail pipe n: 1. a pipe run in a
well below a packer. 2. a pipe
used to exhaust gases from the
muffler of an engine to the outside
atmosphere.

take out v: to remove a joint or
stand of pipe from the drill stem.
tally v: to measure and record
the total length of pipe, casing, or
tubing that is to be run in a well.
tapered string n: drill pipe,
tubing, sucker rods, and so forth
with a diameter near the top of the
well larger than the diameter below.
tar sand n: a sandstone that
chiefly contains yew, heavy, tar
like hydrocarbons. Tar sands are
difficult to produce by ordinary
methods; thus it is costly to obtain
usable hydrocarbons from them.
target n: a bull plug or blind
flange at the end of a tee to
prevent erosion at a point where
change in flow direction occurs.
(API Recommended Practice 53).
targeted n pl: refers to a fluid
piping system in which flow
impinges upon a lead filled end
(target) or a piping tee when fluid
transits a change in direction.
(API Recommended Practice 59).
telescoping joint n: a device
used in the marine riser system
of a mobile offshore drilling rig
to compensate for the vertical
motion of the rig caused by wind,
waves, or weather. It consists of
an inner barrel attached beneath
the rig floor and an outer barrel
attached to the riser pipe and is an
integrated part of the riser system.
telescopic (slip) joint packer
n: a torus shaped hydraulic or
pneumatically actuated, resilient
element between the inner and
outer barrels of the telescopic (slip)
joint which serves to retain drilling
fluid inside the marine riser. (API
Recommended Practice 64).
Glossary of Oil field terms
telltale hole n: a hole drilled
into the space between rings of
packing material used with a liner
in a fluid pump. When the liner
packing fails, fluid spurts out of
the telltale hole with each stroke
of the piston, indicating that the
packing must be renewed.
temporary guide base n: the
initial piece of equipment lowered
to the ocean floor once a mobile
offshore drilling rig has been
positioned on location. It serves as
an anchor for the guidelines and
as a foundation for the permanent
guide base and has an opening in
the centre through which the bit
passes. It is also called a template.
tensile strength n: the greatest
longitudinal stress that a metal can
bear without tearing apart. Tensile
strength of a metal is greater than
yield strength.
tensioner system n: a system
of devices installed on a floating
offshore drilling rig to maintain a
constant tension on the riser pipe
despite any vertical motion made
by the rig. The guidelines must
also be tensioned, and a separate
tensioner system is provided for
them.
Texas deck n: the main load
bearing deck of an offshore
drilling structure and the highest
above the water, excluding
auxiliary decks such as the
helicopter landing pad.
thermometer n: an instrument
that measures temperature.
Thermometers provide a way
to estimate temperature from its
effect on a substance with known
characteristics (such as a gas that
expands when heated). Various
types of thermometers measure
temperature by measuring the
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
change in pressure of a gas
kept at a constant volume, the
change in electrical resistance
of metals, or the galvanic effect
of dissimilar metals in contact.
The most common thermometer
is the mercury filled glass tube
that indicates temperature by the
expansion of the liquid mercury.
thermostat n: a control device
used to regulate temperature.
thief formation n: a formation
that absorbs drilling fluid as the
fluid is circulated in the well; also
called a thief sand or a thief zone.
Lost circulation is caused by a
thief formation.
thixotropic n: the property
exhibited by a fluid that is in a
liquid state when flowing and in
a semisolid, gelled state when at
rest. Most drilling fluids must be
thixotropic so that the cuttings in
the fluid will remain in suspension
when circulation is stopped.
tie back string n: casing that
is run from the top of a liner to
the surface. A tie back string is
often used to provide a production
casing that has not been drilled
through.
tight formation n: a petroleum
or water bearing formation of
relatively low porosity and
permeability.
tight hole n: 1. a well about
which information is restricted for
security or competitive reasons
and such information given only
to those authorised to receive it.
2. a section of the hole that, for
some reason, is under gauge.
For example, a bit that is worn
undergauge will drill a tight hole.

•
tight spot n: a section of a
borehole in which excessive
wall cake has built up, reducing
the hole diameter and making it
difficult to run the tools in and
out. Compare key seat.
ton n: 1. (nautical) a volume
measure equal to 100 ft3 applied
to mobile offshore drilling rigs. 2.
(metric) a measure of weight equal
to 1000 kg. Usually spelled tonne.
tonne n: a mass unit in the metric
system equal to 1 000 kg.
tool Joint n: a heavy coupling
element for drill pipe, made of
special alloy steel. Tool joints
have coarse, tapered threads and
seating shoulders designed to
sustain the weight of the drill
stem, withstand strain of frequent
coupling and uncoupling, and
provide a leakproof seal. The male
section of the joint, or the pin, is
attached to one end of a length of
drill pipe, and the female section,
or box, is attached to the other
end. The tool joint may be welded
to the end of the pipe, screwed
on, or both. A hard metal facing is
often applied in a bad around the
outside of the tool joint to enable
it to resist abrasion from the wall
of the borehole.
torque n: the fuming force that is
applied to a shaft or other rotary
mechanism to cause it to rotate or
tend to do so. Torque is measured
in units of length and force (foot
pounds, Newton metres).
torque indicator n: an
instrument that measures the amount
of torque (fuming or twisting action)
applied to the drill or casing string.
The amount of torque applied to the
string is important when joints are
being made up.
Glossary of Oil field terms
torque recorder n: an
instrument that measures and
makes a record of the amount of
torque (fuming or twisting action)
applied to the drill or casing string.
total depth (TD) n: the
maximum depth reached in a well.
tour n: (pronounced “tower”) a
working shift for drilling crew or
other oil field workers. The most
common tour is 8 hours long;
the three daily tours are called
daylight, evening, and graveyard
(or morning). Sometimes 12
hour tours are used, especially
on offshore rigs; they are called
simply day tour and night tour.
toxic substance n: a substance
or material which can be
detrimental to human health
or the functional capacity of a
person having exposure to it. (API
Recommended Practice 57).
traceability, Job lot n: the
ability for parts to be identified as
originating from a job lot which
identifies the included hear(s).
(API Specification 16A)
transducer n: a device actuated
by power from one system and
supplying power to another
system, usually in a different
form. For example, a telephone
receiver receives electric power
and supplies acoustic Dower.
tricone bit n: a type of bit in
which three cone shaped cutting
devices are mounted in such a
way that they intermesh and rotate
together as the bit drills. The bit
body may be fitted with nozzles,
or jets, through which the drilling
fluid is discharged. A one eyed bit
is used in soft formations to drill a
deviated hole.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
trip n: the operation of hoisting
the drill stem from and resuming
it to the well bore. v: shortened
form of “make a trip”. See make
a trip.
trip out of hole (TOH): See
trip, tripping
tripping v: the operation of
hoisting the drill stem out of
and resuming it to the well bore;
making a trip. See tap.
trip gas n: an accumulation of
gas which enters the hole while a
trip is made. (API Recommended
Practice 53).
trip margin n: an incremental
increase in drilling fluid
density to provide an increment
of overbalance in order to
compensate for effects of
swabbing. (API Recommended
Practice 59).
trip tank n: a small fluid tank
with a capacity of 10 to 15 bbl,
usually with 1 bbl divisions,
used exclusively to ascertain the
amount of fluid necessary to keep
the well bore full with the exact
amount of fluid that is displaced
by drill pipe. When the bit comes
out of the hole, a volume of fluid
equal to that which the drill pipe
occupied while in the hole must
be pumped into the hole to replace
the pipe. When the bit goes back
in the hole, the drill pipe displaces
a certain amount of fluid, and a
trip tank again can be used to keep
track of this volume.
true vertical depth (TVD)
n: the depth of a well measured
from the surface straight down
to the bottom of the well. The
true vertical depth of a well may
be quite different from its actual

measured depth, because wells are
very seldom drilled exactly vertical.
tubing n: small diameter pipe
that is run into a well to serve as a
conduit for the passage of oil and
gas to the surface.
tubingless completion n: a
method of completing a well in
which a small diameter production
casing is set through the
producing zone with no tubing or
inner production string employed
to bring formation fluids to the
surface. (API Recommended
Practice 57).
tubular goods (tubulars) n
pi.: any kind of pipe; also called
tubulars. Oil field tubular goods
include tubing, casing, drill pipe,
and line pipe.
tungsten carbide bit n: a type
of roller cone bit with inserts
made of tungsten carbide. Also
called tungsten carbide insert bit.
tungsten carbide insert bit n:
also called tungsten carbide bit.
See tungsten carbide bit.
turbine motor n: usually called
a turbodrill. See turbodrill.
turbodrill n: a drilling tool that
rotates a bit that is attached to it
by the action of drilling fluid on
the turbine blades built into the
tool. When a turbodrill is used,
rotary motion is imparted only at
the bit; therefore, it is unnecessary
to rotate the drill stem. Although
straight holes can be drilled with
the tool, it is used most often in
directional drilling.
turbulent flow n: the flow of
a fluid in an erratic, nonlinear
motion, caused by high velocity.
Glossary of Oil field terms
twist off n: a complete break in
pipe caused by rotational force
wrenching damaged pipe apart.
twist off v: to part or split drill
pipe or drill collars, primarily
because of metal fatigue in the
pipe or because of mishandling.
ullage n: the amount by which
a tank or a vessel comes short of
being full, especially on ships.
Ullage in a tank is necessary to
allow space for the expansion
of the oil in the tank when the
temperature increases. Also called
outage.
umbilical n: a line that supplies
a diver or a diving bell with
a lifeline, a breathing gas,
communications, a pneumo
fathometer, and if needed, a heat
supply.
under balance n: the amount
by which formation presser
exceeds pressure exerted by the
hydrostatic head of fluid in the
well bore. (API Recommended
Practice 59).
under balanced drilling
(UBD) n: is a procedure used to
drill wells where the pressure in
the wellbore is kept lower than
the fluid pressure in the formation
being drilled. As the well is being
drilled, formation fluid flows into
the wellbore and up to the surface.
unconsolidated sandstone
n: a sand formation in which
individual grains do not adhere to
one another. If an unconsolidated
sandstone produces oil or gas, it
will produce sand as well, if not
controlled or corrected.
underground blowout n:
an uncontrolled flow of gas,
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
salt water, or other fluid out of
the well bore and into another
formation that the well bore has
penetrated.
upper kelly cock n: the kelly
cock, as distinguished from the
drill stem safety valve, sometimes
called the lower kelly cock. See
kelly cock.
upset v: to forge the ends of
tubular products so that the pipe
wall acquires extra thickness and
strength near the end. Usually
upsetting is performed to provide
the thickness needed to form
threads so that the tubular goods
can be connected. n: the thickened
area formed by upsetting of
tubular goods.
upstream adv.: in the direction
opposite the flow in a line. n: the
point in a line or system situated
opposite the direction of flow.
usable hydraulic fluid n:
the hydraulic fluid volume
recoverable from the accumulator
system between the maximum
designed accumulator operating
pressure and the minimum
operating pressure. (API
Recommended Practice 16E)
U tube n: a U shaped tube.
U tubing n: the action of fluids
flowing in a U tube (as heavy fluid
forcing lighter fluid down the drill
stem and up the annulus).
vacuum n: 1. theoretically, a
space that is devoid of all matter
and that exerts zero pressure. 2. a
condition that exists in a system
when pressure is reduced below
atmospheric pressure.

•
vacuum degasser n: a device
in which gas cut fluid is degassed
by the action of a vacuum inside
a tank. The gas cut fluid is pulled
into the tank, the gas removed,
and the gas free fluid discharged
back into the fluid tank.
vapour n: a substance in the
gaseous state, capable of being
liquefied by compression or cooling.
V door n: an opening at floor
level in a side of a derrick or
mast. The V door is opposite the
drawworks and is used as an entry
to bring in drill pipe, casing, and
other tools from the pipe rack. The
name comes from the fact that on
the old standard derrick, the shape
of the opening was an inverted V.
vent n: an opening in a vessel, line,
or pump to permit the escape of
air or gas. vent line n: the conduit
which directs the flow of diverted
well bore fluids away from the
drill floor to the atmosphere. (API
Recommended Practice 64)
vent line valve n: a full opening
valve which facilitates the shut off of
flow or allows passage of diverted
well bore fluids through the vent line.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
vent outlet n: the point at which
fluids exit the well bore below the
annular sealing device via the vent
line. (API Recommended Practice 64)
venturi effect n: the drop in
pressure resulting from the increased
velocity of a fluid as it flows through
a constricted section of a pipe.
vertical n: an imaginary line
at right angles to the plane of
the horizon. adj.: of a well bore,
straight, not deviated.
Glossary of Oil field terms
viscosity n: a measure of the
resistance of a liquid to flow.
Resistance is brought about by
the internal friction resulting from
the combined effects of cohesion
and adhesion. The viscosity of
petroleum products is commonly
expressed in terms of the time
required for a specific volume
of the liquid to flow through an
orifice of a specific size. visual
examination n: examination of
parts and equipment for visible
defects in material and workmanship.
(API Specification 16A)
voids n pi.: cavities in a rock that
do not contain solid material but
may contain fluids.
volumetric efficiency n: actual
volume of fluid put out by a pump,
divided by the volume displaced
by a piston or pistons (or other
device) in the pump. Volumetric
efficiency is usually expressed as
a percentage. For example, if the
pump pistons displace 300 cubic
inches, but the pump puts only 291
cubic inches per stroke, then the
volumetric efficiency of the pump
is 97 percent.
volumetric non destructive
examination v: examination
for internal material defects by
radiography acoustic emission
or ultrasonic testing. (API
Specification 16A)
wait and weight method n: a
well killing method in which the
well is shut in and the fluid weight
is raised the amount required
to kill the well. The heavy fluid
is then circulated into the well,
while at the same time the kick
fluids are circulated out. So called
because one shuts the well in and
waits for the fluid to be weighted
before circulation begins.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
wall cake n: also called filter
cake or fluid cake. See fluid cake.
wall sticking n: also called
differential pressure sticking. See
differential pressure.
washout n: 1. excessive well
bore enlargement caused by
solvent and erosive action of
the drilling fluid. 2. a fluid cut
opening caused by fluid leakage.
water based hydraulic fluid n:
control fluid mixture composed of
water soluble lubricant and water.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
water base fluid n: a drilling
fluid in which the continuous phase
is water. In water base fluids, any
additives are dispersed in the eater.
Compare oil base fluid.
weight cut n: the amount by
which drilling fluid density is reduced
by entrained formation fluids or air.
(API Recommended Practice 59).
weight indicator n: an
instrument near the driller’s
position on a drilling rig. It shows
both the weight of the drill stem
that is hanging from the hook
(hook load) and the weight that
is placed on the bit by the drill
collars (weight on bit).
weighting material n: a
material that has a high specific
gravity and is used to increase the
density of drilling fluids or cement
slurries.
weight on bit (WOB) n: the
difference between the net weight
of the entire drill stem and the
reduced weight resulting when the
bit is resting on bottom.
weight on cement (WOC) n:
weight up v: to increase the

weight or density of drilling fluid
by adding weighting material.
weld, fabrication n: a weld
joining two or more parts. (API
Specification 16A)
weld, non pressure
containing n: a weld, the
absence of which will not
reduce the pressure containing
integrity of the component. (API
Specification 16A)
weld, pressure containing n:
a weld, the absence of which will
reduce the pressure containing
integrity of the component. (API
Specification 16A)
weld groove n: an area between
two metals to be joined that has
been prepared to receive weld
filler metal. (API Specification
16A)
weld joint n: a description of
the way components are fitted
together in order to facilitate
joining by welding. (API
Specification 16A)
welding v: the fusion of
materials with or without the
addition of tiller materials. (API
Specification 16A)
well n: the hole made by the
drilling bit, which can be open,
cased, or both. Also called well
bore, borehole, or hole.
well bore n: a borehole; the hole
drilled by the bit. A well bore may
have casing in it or it may be open
(uncased); or a portion of it may
be cased, and a portion of it may
be open. Also called borehole or
hole.
Glossary of Oil field terms
well control n: the methods used
to prevent a well from blowing
out. Such techniques include, but
are not limited to, keeping the
borehole completely filled with
drilling fluid of the proper weight
or density during all operations,
exercising reasonable care when
tripping pipe out of the hole to
prevent swabbing, and keeping
careful track of the amount of
fluid put into the hole to replace
the volume of pipe removed from
the hole during a trip.
wellhead n: the equipment
installed at the surface of the well
bore. A well head includes such
equipment as the casing head
and tubing head. adj.: pertaining
to the well head (e.g., well head
pressure).
wellhead connector (stack
connector) n: a hydraulically
operated connector that joins
the BOP stack to the subsea
well head. (API Recommended
Practice 16E)
wild well n: a well that has blown
out of control and from which
oil, water, or gas is escaping with
great force to the surface; also
called a gusher.
wireline operations n pl:
operations performed in a well
bore by use of tools which are
run and pulled on small diameter
slick, braided or electric wireline.
(API Recommended Practice 57).
wireline preventers n pl:
preventers installed on top
of the well or drill string as a
precautionary measure while
running wireline. The preventer
packing will close around the
wireline. (API Recommended
Practice 59).
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL
•
wireline well logging n
the recording of subsurface
characteristics by wireline tools.
Wireline well logs include
acoustic logs, calliper logs,
radioactivity logs, and resistivity
logs.
working pressure n: the
maximum pressure at which an
item is to be used at a specified
temperature.
wireline preventer n:
preventers installed on top
of the well or drill string as a
precautionary measure while
running wireline. The preventer
packing will close around the
wireline. (API Recommended
Practice 53).
working pressure rating n:
the maximum pressure at which
an item is designed for safe
operation. (API Recommended
Practice 64)
yield point n: the maximum
stress that a solid can withstand
without undergoing permanent
deformation either by plastic flow
or by rupture. See tensile strength.
yield strength n: the stress level
measured at room temperature,
expressed in pounds per square
inch of loaded area, at which
material plastically deforms and
will not return to its original
dimensions when the load is
released. All yield strengths
specified in this standard shall
be considered as being the 0.2%
yield offset strength per ASTM
A370. (API Specification 16A)
zone n: a term used to distinguish
different rock strata (e.g. shale
zone, sand zone, pay zone etc.).
(API Recommended Practice 57).
 Glossary of Oil field terms
•

ABBREVIATIONS, UNITS & SYMBOLS

Abbreviation Description
API American Petroleum Institute
APIRP American Petroleum Institute LMRP lower marine riser package
Recommended Practice
APL annular pressure loss
BHA bottom hole assembly
BHP bottom hole pressure
BOP blowout preventer
BRT below rotary table
Ca annular capacity
CLPL choke line pressure losses
DC drill collar
DDR daily drilling report
DECC Department of Energy & Climate OBM oil based mud
Change
DP drill pipe/dynamic positioning
DSPL drill string pressure loss
DST drill stem test
EH electro hydraulic
EMW equivalent mud weight
ESD equivalent static density
FCP final circulating pressure
FIT formation integrity test
FOSV full open safety valve
Gfb formation breakdown pressure RIH run in hole
gradient
Gi influx gradient pressure
Gmud pressure gradient of mud
GPM gallons per minute
HAZ heat affected zone
HCR hydraulic controlled remote
HDIS hydril drop-in sub
Hi height of influx
HTHP high temperature high pressure
IADC International Association of TD total depth
Drilling Contractors
ICP initial circulating pressure
J joule
kg/l kilograms per litre
kg/m3 Kilograms per cubic metre
KT kick tolerance
LCM lost circulation material
LOT leak off test
LWD logging while drilling
MASP maximum anticipated surface
pressure
MD measured depth
MODU mobile offshore drilling unit
MSL mean sea level
MWD measurement while drilling
N Newton
NRV non return value
OD outside diameter
OIM offshore installation manager
Pa Pascal
PODM pseudo oil based mud
POH pull out of hole
PPB pounds per barrel
PPG pounds per gallon
PV plastic viscosity
PWD pressure while drilling
RFT repeat formation tester
ROP rate of penetration
ROV remote operated vehicle
RPM revolutions per minute
SCR slow circulating rate
SG specific gravity
SI international system of units
SIBHP shut in bottom hole pressure
SICP shut in casing pressure
SIDPP shut in drill pipe pressure
TOH trip out of hole
TVD true vertical depth
UBD under balanced drilling
WOB weight on bit
WOC weight of cement

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL